Calgary Flames’ Zach Whitecloud Inspires Blood Tribe Youth
During Visit to Standoff, AB.
By Blood Tribe Communications
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Calgary Flames’ star defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Zach Whitecloud paid a visit to the Blood Tribe. Held at the Kainai Sportsplex Arena in Standoff, AB., Whitecloud’s visit centered on inspiring our community’s youth and young athletes.
The event began with opening remarks from Chief Travis Plaited Hair and Council members in attendance. Young hockey players and representatives from Kainai Minor Hockey Association joined drum group Baby Flats in welcoming our guest in true Kainai fashion with an honour song. Before he took the stage, Mike Bruised Head translated Whitecloud’s name into Blackfoot for the crowd: Aapiooksiksistsiko.
Kainai Board of Education, Kainai Children’s Services Corporation, and Baby Flats then presented gifts to Whitecloud, including a jacket and painted drum, to commemorate his visit.
Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Zach Whitecloud is a proud member of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. While he has established himself in the NHL for his gifted defensive play, he is also recognized for his leadership and commitment to community outreach, especially among Indigenous communities.
Undrafted out of junior hockey, he carved his own path through dedication and perseverance, earning a contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018. He would go on to win the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023, before being traded to The Calgary Flames earlier this year and becoming one of the team’s Assistant Captains.
Whitecloud then addressed attendees, speaking about his journey to professional hockey and the values that shaped his career.
“That’s what is so special for me today. It’s not about the people who told me I couldn’t do it, but all of the people, like some of you here, who when they started watching me on TV, were proud to see someone from their culture, from their way of life, playing on the big stage in the best league in the world. For me, that’s why I carry a lot of pride and a lot of honour and a lot of responsibility.”
“It’s really exciting for me to be in the surrounding communities and to be involved and meet everyone and to be welcomed to Treaty 7 territory,” he added.
Following his address, Whitecloud played a game of ball hockey with excited Blood Tribe youth. The visit concluded with an autograph and photo session where community members had the opportunity to meet Whitecloud one-on-one.
The lead organizer for Saturday’s event, Blood Tribe Councillor Beth Day Chief, spoke on the importance of inviting Whitecloud to the Blood Tribe.
“When the opportunity came up to book Zach for a community engagement, I jumped on int. Right away I thought of the youth and what a great experience it would be to meet an NHL player of First Nations descent. I wanted this event to be for the youth and community members. This was also a great time to recognize and show appreciation for our volunteers of minor hockey, such as coaches, managers, trainers, and board members.”
Day Chief extended her heartfelt thanks to Zach Whitecloud and The Flames organization for making this event possible.
Before he left, Whitecloud had the following words of encouragement for Blood Tribe youth.
“Find a passion that you love and go after it. I think that’s the most important part of life and it keeps you striving towards something. Find something that you love to do and what makes you happy and just go after it.”
We would like to acknowledge the following people and departments for their contributions: Event Organizers Beth Day Chief, Kainai Minor Hockey Association, Blood Tribe Recreation, and Blood Tribe Communications; Floyd Big Head for MC duties; drum group Baby Flats; Kainai Board of Education, Kainai Children’s Services, Blood Tribe Employment and Training, and *Blood Tribe Early Learning & Childcare Program for food donations; for donations from Blood Tribe Department of Health, Jumbo Valley, Walter’s Farms, Danny Degenstein, and Blood Tribe Chief and Council; gifts from KBE, KCSC, and Baby Flats; Zach Whitecloud and The Calgary Flames organization; and finally for all the fans and community members who came out to support the event.
*Correction added May 4, 2026: Please note, in the original story we did not include Blood Tribe Early Learning and Childcare Program and staff for their contributions of food and bag lunches. We apologize for this omission. We value the volunteer efforts of all BTA staff and community members and our goal is to ensure their efforts are recognized. Thank you.
