Keegan Kolesar Reflects on Zach Whitecloud Trade: A Bond Beyond Hockey
Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar admitted he was deeply affected by the recent trade that sent his close friend and teammate, Zach Whitecloud, to the Calgary Flames. Kolesar revealed he “cried pretty bad” upon learning the news, highlighting the strong bond the two players forged both on and off the ice.
The initial notification came from Cody Glass, the Knights’ first entry draft selection, who simply texted Kolesar about the Flames sending defenseman Rasmus Andersson to Vegas. Before Kolesar could fully process the incoming addition, he received a call from Whitecloud himself. Kolesar was the first person Whitecloud confided in regarding the end of his nearly eight-year tenure with the Golden Knights.
“I’m happy that I got him to break the news to me first,” Kolesar said, acknowledging the respect between the two. The reality of the situation quickly sunk in. “I was crying pretty much the whole day,” Kolesar confessed. “When I drove over to his house, I was crying pretty bad. I got over there, said goodbye to him, we had a Guinness one more time, and that was it.”
A Strong Canadian Connection
The Knights’ locker room boasts a significant Canadian presence, with Whitecloud, Kolesar, Brett Howden, and Mark Stone all hailing from Canada. Kolesar and Whitecloud, both from Manitoba, developed a particularly close relationship since Whitecloud joined the Knights as an undrafted college free agent in 2018. They progressed through the American Hockey League together, earned their spots on the NHL roster around the same time, and celebrated a Stanley Cup victory as teammates.
Their connection extends beyond the rink; Kolesar is slated to be a groomsman at Whitecloud’s wedding this summer. “He’s a really close friend that you’ve gone through so much with,” Kolesar explained. While excited about the potential impact of newcomer Rasmus Andersson, Kolesar expressed sadness at losing Whitecloud’s presence on the team.
Veteran Ben Hutton, a longtime locker room neighbor of Whitecloud, echoed Kolesar’s sentiments. “You never want to see a buddy like that go or any teammate like that go,” Hutton said. “But at the end of the day, it’s a business. We’re getting Rasmus to come in and really help us out. That’ll be big, too.”
Adjusting to Change and Looking Ahead
The trade has created a noticeable void in the Knights’ locker room. Whitecloud’s absence is felt during road trips, where he was known for his playful banter and role as the team’s plane DJ. Hutton jokingly noted Whitecloud’s poor card-playing skills, adding a lighthearted touch to the emotional situation. “He was one of those guys who you can’t really say anything bad about,” Hutton said.
Andersson’s debut with the Knights is pending immigration processing, but he is expected to join the team soon, potentially for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kolesar is optimistic about the impact Andersson will have on the team’s championship aspirations. “With that comes the excitement of a player of Rasmus’ caliber to come and help us to get to the goal we all want to go,” Kolesar said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come with the pieces we have coming in.”
Despite the sadness of losing a friend and teammate, Kolesar and the Knights are focused on the future. Technology helps bridge the distance, with texting and FaceTime providing a way to stay connected. The group chat with Kolesar, Whitecloud, and former teammate Nic Hague, while now feeling a little different, remains a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the team. As Kolesar put it, “One of the best guys (Calgary) could possibly get going back their way.”
Up Next: Golden Knights at Bruins – Thursday, 4 p.m. ET at TD Garden, Boston. TV: KMCC-34. Radio: KFLG 94.7 FM, KKGK 1340 AM.
NHL Official Website provides further coverage of the trade and team updates.
