FeaturedVegas Golden Knights

Zach Whitecloud tears up when discussing insensitive joke made about his name by broadcaster

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X May 10, 2023
4 1 minute read

In case you missed it last night, ESPN broadcaster John Anderson made a bit of a joke when calling the highlights between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, saying that Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud has a name that’s “great if you’re a toilet paper.”

Listen in:

Leaving aside the lame dad joke, it seems like Whitecloud took this one rather hard.

Since he was born and raised on Sioux Valley Dakota Nation territory in Manitoba, where numerous of his friends and relatives still reside, Whitecloud is of course a proud member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. In my opinion, “Whitecloud” is a fantastic last name that is far superior to any last name that sounds like plain old English that I have ever heard. Unfortunately, clowns like Anderson believe that making fun of things that aren’t yet considered normal is necessary.

To his credit, Anderson did apologize for the harsh joke and spoke with Whitecloud directly about how damaging such insensitive jokes can be to Whitecloud and his community.

Whitecloud, very admirably I must say, addressed the entire situation with the media today and even teared up a bit at the end when saying, “it’s time for everyone to learn.”

Listen in:

This youngster has such heart. I am now a lifelong fan of his.

Although I don’t find Anderson’s poor joke offensive, I don’t have the right to tell others what they should and shouldn’t find offensive. Since Whitecloud has a very different life than I do, I will let him speak for himself regarding his feelings. However, I believe that he made a great point today, and Anderson undoubtedly paid attention to what Whitecloud had to say. Once more, this is a learning experience for everyone present, and having gone through it will have improved us all.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X May 10, 2023
4 1 minute read
Comments
Back to top button