Manitoba First Nation cheers on hometown NHL player taking on the Jets in playoffs
CBC
While most Manitobans are hoping to see the Winnipeg Jets bring home a first-round win against the Vegas Golden Knights, at least one community is tucking away their whiteout gear and cheering for the other team — for now.
Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud was born in Brandon, Man., but Sioux Valley Dakota Nation is his home.
His dad, Tim Whitecloud, is a band councillor on the First Nation and said the whole community is rallying behind him.
"He's got a large following of fans," Tim said. "I know there's even Winnipeg Jets fans that are supporting him, not necessarily Vegas, but supporting him and his quest here for the Stanley Cup."
Sioux Valley is a small community of around 2,400 people located roughly 50 kilometres west of Brandon.
Tim spoke to CBC News on his way to catch a flight to Las Vegas from North Dakota on Monday afternoon.
"I was really anticipating the matchup with the Jets here, and again, it's right in our backyard," he said. "We grew up in Manitoba and he played some tournaments in Winnipeg and a few other guys on their team originate from [here] so I think it's really exciting."
There are four Manitobans on the Golden Knights roster, including captain and Winnipegger Mark Stone, who will be playing his first game Tuesday in three months since having his second back surgery.
Zach is the first NHL player to come from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and his dad said the community is looking forward to watching the series. He said they will be staying up till 'the bitter end' no matter how late the games last.
"I know a lot of our elderly people from back home, some of them say they never used to watch hockey up until Zach made in to the NHL," he said.
"They're loyal to staying up from nine till midnight and watching the game. They say that they may need to take some after supper naps, but they all are very proud."
Tim said a group is trying to get a watch party going at the local community hall so that everyone has the opportunity to take in the game.
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Jennifer Bone said everyone is excited in the community, especially many of the children.
"A lot of youth look up to him," he said. "Our community is pretty proud of him, you know, a community member representing us at that level."
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