From Minor League Roommates to NHL Teammates: How Brayden Pachal Helps Zach Whitecloud Settle in Calgary
For any professional athlete, adjusting to a new team and city can be a daunting challenge. For Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud, that transition has been significantly smoothed by a familiar face from his past.
A Blast from the Past
Whitecloud, who arrived in Calgary in mid-January as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade, has found himself living with fellow blue-liner Brayden Pachal. This arrangement isn't new for the two hockey players—they were roommates during their minor league days with the Vegas Golden Knights' farm team, the Chicago Wolves.
"It's funny—we were doing a media thing with the team at our house and they were asking us, 'What has really changed?'" Whitecloud shared. "And it doesn't really feel like anything has changed, you know?"
The defenseman elaborated on the comforting familiarity of their renewed living situation, noting that despite being older now—Whitecloud is 29 and Pachal is 27—their dynamic feels remarkably similar to their younger years.
Comfort in Familiarity
Pachal, who describes Whitecloud as "a genuinely unbelievable guy" and "a joy to be around," offered his spare room to help his former roommate avoid the isolation of hotel living. Having experienced that himself when he joined the Flames two years ago after being claimed off waivers from Vegas, Pachal understood the challenges firsthand.
"When I came here, I lived in the hotel for a month, so I realize how hard that is," Pachal explained. "If you're in the hotel, you kind of feel like even though you're home, you're playing on the road still. So I just wanted to make him feel more comfortable, get adjusted to the routine and obviously catch up."
While some things remain the same, Pachal did note one improvement in his roommate's habits: "I think he's a little bit cleaner than he used to be." He added with a grin, "But he doesn't have as much space this time around. He has the spare bedroom downstairs, but I think it's definitely better than the hotel still."
Settling into a New Hockey Home
Whitecloud's arrival means Pachal has seen limited ice time recently, suiting up for just seven games since December while being a healthy scratch for 21 others. Despite this, Pachal has maintained a positive attitude and embraced the opportunity to help his friend adjust.
The reunion has brought back memories of their minor league days, when both were developing their professional careers. "It brings us back to our younger days, I guess," Pachal reflected. "We haven't seen each other in a few years, so it's been a nice visit."
For Whitecloud, who is still getting to know his new teammates and adjusting to his new surroundings at the Scotiabank Saddledome, having a trusted friend nearby has made all the difference. The comfort of their renewed friendship provides a stable foundation as he focuses on contributing to the Flames' defensive corps and finding his place in Calgary's hockey community.
