Vegas Golden Knights Sign Highly Controversial Prospect Kai Uchacz to Entry Level Contract
The Vegas Golden Knights had quite a busy Sunday which included a shutout win over New Jersey and the signing of two prospects, Kai Uchacz and Braeden Bowman.
Back in March 2021, Kai Uchacz, who was playing for the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds, was removed from the team's roster after allegedly making racist comments directed at one of his teammates, Mekai Sanders and was traded to the Red Deer Rebels just four months later.
Kai Uchacz lands entry-level contract with Vegas Golden Knights
Aside from being kicked off the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2021 due to the alleged racist comments, there was no discipline whatsoever from the Western Hockey League, which shocked many at the time, including the agent of player the words were directed at.
"We are very disappointed that the Western Hockey League has not issued a statement or any disciplinary actions following the racially motivated situation which occurred on the Seattle Thunderbirds during the 2020/2021 season," said Scott Norton, president of Norton Sports Management in a statement.
Following their win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, which gave them a four-point lead in the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that they've agreed to terms on two-year, entry level contracts with Kai Uchacz and Braeden Bowman.
"Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced today, March 2, that the team has signed forwards Braeden Bowman and Kai Uchacz to two-year, entry-level contracts." the Golden Knights said.
Uchacz, 21, is in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights organization after signing a one-year AHL contract with the Henderson Silver Knights last fall.
In 51 games with Henderson this season, Uchacz has registered 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists), 36 penalty minutes and was a minus-six.
As expected, fans, not only of the Golden Knights, but other teams, weren't too happy that Kai Uchacz was signed to an NHL contract and they shared their thoughts on Vegas' social media post.
Source: Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights Sign Forwards Braeden Bowman and Kai Uchacz to Two-Year, Entry-Level Contracts
Vegas Golden Knights Sign Forwards Braeden Bowman and Kai Uchacz to Two-Year, Entry-Level Contracts
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
MARS 3 | 279 ANSWERS Vegas Golden Knights Sign Highly Controversial Prospect Kai Uchacz to Entry Level Contract Do you agree with the Vegas Golden Knights' decision to sign Kai Uchacz? | ||
| Yes, he's learned from his mistakes | 115 | 41.2 % |
| No, he shouldn't have been signed | 164 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||