ESTEVAN — The City of Estevan and the Estevan Minor Hockey Association saluted the accomplishments of local hockey product Brayden Pachal during a special ceremony.
A plaque honouring Pachal's accomplishments was revealed Aug. 9 at Affinity Place. Pachal won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the first Estevan born, raised and trained player to do so. He brought the trophy home to Estevan during his day with the cup in July 2023.
Pachal is currently a member of the Calgary Flames, who claimed the defenceman on waivers in February 2024.
Pachal said he didn't know about the honour until the celebration. All his mother told him was the city and the EMHA were planning to do something special prior to a community skate with Pachal at Affinity Place. After the unveiling, he became emotional as he talked about the distinction.
"It means a lot to me. Obviously, I grew up here and to see little kids around, it's hopefully a bit of a motivation for them. It's a great place to grow up," said Pachal. "I thank the city, my family, minor hockey and everybody that made this journey possible."
The plaque notes that Pachal received his first set of skates on his second birthday, and from then on, he was hooked.
"He spent countless hours on the ice, whether it was his backyard rink, Rusty Duce Park, the Civic Auditorium, Lignite Miners Centre [now Power Dodge Arena] or the rinks in Bienfait and Torquay," the plaque states.
Pachal started playing hockey at age four with the Bienfait Miners, and continued through the ranks of Estevan Minor Hockey. He also had games with the Estevan Bruins as a callup from U18 AAA hockey.
He captained the Prince Albert Raiders to the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League champions in 2019.
"It's really cool to be recognized by the community you grew up in," said Pachal.
The plaque has photos of Pachal in his youth hockey days and playing hockey for the Raiders and Flames. There is also a photo of him celebrating the Stanley Cup win and bringing the trophy to Estevan.
Family and friends of Pachal joined representatives of the city and minor hockey for the festivities. Many young hockey players were also present.
Estevan Minor Hockey president Stephen Truman said the EMHA appreciates the partnership with the city, and it is pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate those who have accomplished big things. He also thanked Pachal's mother Rhonda and the EMHA executive, who helped make the day possible.
"Brayden's story begins just like so many young athletes in this building: on the ice with dreams and a stick in hand. He played through the ranks of the EMHA through to the U15 AA Bruins. He even played for the Team Sask Junior Pats as a youngster," said Truman.
From those early days, Truman said Pachal showed the drive and determination that carried him to the NHL.
When Pachal brought the Stanley Cup to Estevan, Truman said it spoke to Pachal's character and love for his community. When Pachal was passed over in the NHL Entry Draft, Truman said Pachal was undeterred.
"Every young player needs a role model, and you're exactly that for our EMHA athletes. Through your work ethic, humility and heart, you show our kids that with commitment and belief in themselves, anything is possible.
"Thank you, Brayden, for being a hero our youth can look up to. It's an honour to recognize you today, and we wish you continued success in your career and beyond."
Truman also read a letter from Calgary Flames' vice-president of communications Sean Kelso, who wrote the Flames are proud to see Pachal recognized in his hometown.
"This honour is a testament to Brayden's hard work, dedication and the strong values he brings both on and off the ice," Kelso said. "As an organization, we share this special moment with him, his family and the community of Estevan, who played a key role in his journey."
Since joining the Flames in 2024, Kelso said Pachal has made a positive impact on and off the ice, and has been a wonderful representative of Estevan.
Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick said Pachal's journey from skating on outdoor rinks to hoisting the Stanley Cup is "nothing short of inspiring for us all".
"We also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible role Brayden's family has played … in supporting his journey in youth sports across Estevan. Your support reflects the kind of community spirit that shapes champions, not just in sport but in character."
Pachal's success is a "win" for Estevan, Sernick said, and the plaque will be a lasting reminder that "big dreams can start in small towns".
"Congratulations Brayden. We couldn't be more proud. Now go get that Cup for the Flames and bring it back to Estevan," said Sernick.
Pachal joins Allan Nicholson, who was the first person from Estevan to play in the NHL, and former Estevan Bruins' coach and long-time Western Hockey League bench boss Ernie (Punch) McLean on the Wall of Fame at Affinity Place.
"I met Ernie in Vancouver my last year of junior. I think he was watching one of our games. I was fortunate enough to meet him," said Pachal, who said he would read the bios of the two hockey people.
Pachal said the offseason has gone well. He has spent most of the summer at the White Bear Resort, training and relaxing, and he has spent time preparing for the upcoming season in Alberta and Regina.
He's looking forward to the campaign after the Flames just barely missed the playoffs.
"It was a disappointing end. I feel like we were playing really well. Obviously, we wanted to make playoffs and just missed out. The goal doesn't change for us going into next year. It's going to be the same thing. There'll be a lot of doubters, and we'll have to prove them wrong."
Pachal has also enjoyed the added responsibility with the Flames. Last season, he had three goals and 12 points in 76 games while playing 14:14 a game.
"All you really ask for is a chance to prove yourself, and fortunately Calgary gave me that chance. It's just on me to keep it going and see how long I can make it," said Pachal.
