Chicago, IL (CKLQ) – Zach Whitecloud has had a season to remember in the American Hockey League.
In his first full season as a pro, Whitecloud lead the entire league with a +39 rating for the Chicago Wolves.
When asked by Wolves Broadcaster Jason Shaver what is secret was, he struggled to hide a smile.
"Get the puck out of your zone as quickly as possible," he said with a chuckle. "The less time you spend in your own end the less chance you’ll have of getting scored on."
Whitecloud, a graduate of the Virden Oil Capitals in the MJHL signed an NHL Entry Level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights last spring, and made his debut in a game vs the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, he has been plying his trade and building his resume for the Knights minor-pro affiliate in the Windy City alongside former Wheat King Reid Duke.
The Sioux Valley, MB native was paired with Nick Hague, 2nd round draft pick of the Knights and the two of them quickly built chemistry.
"It’s all about a five-man unit, it’s not just me out there," Whitecloud added. "Playing with Hague all year helped me learn all year how to defend properly and when to produce offense. We’ve come a long way, not just as a pair but as an entire defense corps."
Whitecloud skated in 74 games for the Wolves, scoring 6 times and adding 22 assists.
The Wolves, who also recently added Wheat Kings netminder Jiri Patera for the playoffs, open up the post-season Friday night vs the Grand Rapids Griffins.
With audio files from Jason Shaver (@theshaves)
Photo from Game On Magazine