Six Nations’ own NHL star Brandon Montour has made it big and the community will be celebrating its hometown hero on Thursday after a whirlwind 2023 season that brought his team to the finals!
Although the Florida Panthers did not win the Stanley Cup this year, the hype surrounding Montour’s hockey success reached fever pitch this past spring as they fought valiantly to win the cup, making Montour a local hero in the process.
Montour is one of only a handful of Six Nations people to ever make it to the NHL, the other, most notably, being Stan Jonathan with the Boston Bruins in the 70s.
“Making it to the NHL is every hockey player’s dream,” Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council said in a press release. “But to do that, as well as helping lead a team to the Stanley Cup final, is an accomplishment not many are able to do. What Brandon has done is not only amazing on the ice, but off it. He has inspired so many in our community and across Turtle Island.”
Elected Council is inviting the community to celebrate Montour’s accomplishments and to commemorate his fantastic season at the Gathering Place on Aug. 3 (Thursday).
“We are all so very proud of what Brandon has accomplished,” said Chief Mark B. Hill. “Thank you for being such an amazing role model. Seeing the community rally around you was special to see. It is not only inspiring to our youth, but it was also a great opportunity for the community to come together.”
The Gathering Place is at 2593 Chiefswood Rd. Ohsweken on from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be food and refreshments, as well as cheque presentations.
SNGR raised money during the Stanley Cup finals through its lawn sign sales.
The community had supported Montour during the play-offs with lawn signs.
All monies are going to the Six Nations minor sports associations in the community: Six Nations Minor Softball, Six Nations Minor Hockey, Six Nations Figure Skating Club, Six Nations Lacrosse Association, Six Nations Girls Field Lacrosse, Six Nations Boys Field Lacrosse.
