'Pride in the valley': Manitoba First Nation celebrates Zach Whitecloud's Stanley Cup win

Andrew Tacan of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation headed to the powwow grounds Tuesday night after he and many community members watched one of their own hoist the Stanley Cup.

Tacan said people in the southwestern Manitoba First Nation were honking their horns, cheering and shouting battle cries that could be heard throughout the valley.

He was one of hundreds celebrating community member Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights as the team won the National Hockey League's biggest prize.

"It was just amazing to hear, like it must have felt like a battle way back in the day where you come back home with a victory," Tacan said on Wednesday from the Dakota community west of Brandon.

"It's just one of those kinds of nights where it just sounded amazing. You could feel the pride in the valley. The whole entire reserve was cheering."

Vegas beat the Florida Panthers 9-3 Tuesday night to capture the Stanley Cup for the first time.

Following the win, defenceman Whitecloud hoisted the Stanley Cup beside his parents. He and his father embraced in what appeared to be an emotional moment.

Speaking on Sportsnet, Whitecloud thanked his family for the sacrifices they made so he could play hockey.

He also thanked those back on his First Nation for their unwavering support.

"I'm thankful for everyone at home for following along and being a part of the journey and just proud of my heritage, proud of my culture and proud of where I come from," he said.

Hundreds gathered in the First Nation's community hall to watch Vegas rout the Panthers.

A mock Stanley Cup was placed on one of the tables. After the win, some had held it up and cheered.

Tacan said the win lifted people's spirits.

"It brings us all together in a way that we've never really