People lined the main streets in Ohsweken, a community within Six Nations of the Grand River, on Wednesday to welcome hometown NHL hero Brandon Montour as he brought home the Stanley Cup.
“I’ve told people today is obviously about me and what I’ve done, but today is about everyone else and to share that with them,” Montour said.
The defenceman spoke to reporters midday Wednesday before the start of a parade in Six Nation, near Brantford, Ont., to celebrate the Florida Panthers’ championship win.
Montour, 30, who’s Mohawk and partly grew up in Six Nations, and his Panthers teammates beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7 on June 24 in Florida. As is tradition, members of the winning team get a day with the Cup.
“I was a kid once and I grew up idolizing players, not just in hockey but lacrosse. I think when you have one of your own … reach this level, and especially a day like today, it’s just a bonus for any kid,” Montour said.
“You can’t really describe how it feels, but I’m very grateful and honoured to be in the position I’m in.”
‘Six Nations is very proud of you’
Six Nations hosted a celebratory parade, which started at Ohsweken Speedway and ended at the Six Nations Sports and Culture Memorial Arena.
“Brandon Montour is so inspirational and a positive role model for our children and youth,” said Sherri-Lyn Hill, elected chief of Six Nations of the Grand River.
“There’s so much he shows our youth with his teamwork, his drive and hockey that just helps children to dream big.”
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict also congratulated Montour, saying he was proof of the great things youth across Turtle Island can accomplish.
Over 300 youth were waiting to meet Montour, said Greg Frazer, an elected councillor in Six Nations, earlier in the day.
Josh Johnson and his 10-year-old son Jaemyn were among the many spectators cheering on Montour.
Johnson said he and Montour grew up playing lacrosse together. Johnson and Jaemyn also watched Montour play in person during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals.
Johnson said he flew in for Game 7 and was with Montour in the dressing room after the big win.
“It was an unreal moment for sure to be there to support him,” he said, adding the parade is great for the community.
Jaemyn said it was cool to see Montour bring the Cup home.
He also had a message for the hockey star.
“I want to be like you one day.”
Helena Logan, 99, said she wanted to shake Montour’s hand and it was “just wonderful” he brought the Cup home.
‘He’s made history,’ says Montour’s aunt
During his NHL career, Montour has also played with the Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres. He joined Florida in 2021 and will start the new NHL season with the Seattle Kraken, after the team announced on July 1 that it had signed him to a seven-year deal.
In an interview with the CBC’s Metro Morning in June, Montour’s aunt, Jaime Montour, said she “choked” when she saw her nephew hoist the Stanley Cup.
“Brandon, you have no idea the impact that he is doing for First Nations people, no clue how big it is for them — to inspire a community, not just this community, but other communities in Canada,” she said.
She was also at the parade on Wednesday, saying Montour always dreamed about playing in the NHL.
“That name Montour is going to last for eternity now. It’s a blessing … he’s made history.”
After the Cup-clinching game, a post on the Six Nations elected council’s Facebook page read: “For the first time in the modern era of the National Hockey League, a member of Six Nations of the Grand River has won hockey’s greatest prize. Congrats #62, #WelcometoSixNayStanley.”
Montour and fellow NHL player Adam Henrique, a member of the Oilers, hold an annual golf tournament that raises money for several charities in the region that help children stay active through sports. This year’s fourth annual tournament took place July 19 at the MontHill Golf & Country Club in Caledonia.
Montour told reporters that despite winning the Stanley Cup, the biggest change in his life in the past year has been becoming a father.
He added he’ll be looking for a house for his family in Seattle and is eager to relax during August.