Brandon's Zach Whitecloud signed by NHL's Vegas Golden Knights

The NHL's Vegas Golden Knights have signed free agent Zach Whitecloud, a Dakota man originally from Brandon, Man.,to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 21-year-olddefenceman, who played atBemidjiState University, is expected to join the team in Buffalo on Friday. The Golden Knights play the Sabres Saturday afternoon.

The Brandon-born Whitecloud recently finished his sophomore year with Bemidji State, where he talliedfour goals and 14 assists in 36 games.

In November 2017 he suited up for Team Canada in the 2017KarjalaCup, where he had one assist in two games.

The tournament in Finland was a chance forTeam Canada officials to evaluate potential players for the Olympic team.

Whitecloud was invited by Hockey Canada after the NHLbarred itsplayers from going to the 2018 Winter Games for the first time since 1994. He didn't end up making the team, however.

The Golden Knights have said Whitecloudwillwear jersey No. 2.

Golden Knights general managerGeorge McPhee said Whitecloud was "highly sought-after" by a lot of NHL teams and Vegas is delighted to have him.

There's no plan on when he will be in the team's lineup, however.

"The benefit of having him here is he can really learn a lot, being around the pros and practising and training with us."