Six Nations is making history today as the coveted Stanley Cup makes its way to the community through its hometown hero Brandon Montour!
Montour, who played defence for the cup-winning Florida Panthers this year, will be the cup-carrying focal point of the joyous celebration that will include a parade along Chiefswood Road where thousands of fans will line up to get a glimpse of the hockey superstar and fabled Stanley Cup.
The parade will start at Ohsweken Speedway at 1 p.m. along Chiefswood Road and end at the Six Nations Sports and Cultural Memorial Centre on Fourth Line Road.
Celebrations are expected to last until 4 p.m.
“We encourage you to take photos of Brandon Montour during the parade, as due to time restraints, viewing the Stanley Cup at the arena will not be guaranteed,” Six Nations of the Grand River said in a press release.
The celebration at the arena will include a ceremony, words from delegates and Montour, as well as a showing of the Stanley Cup for the public.
Six Nations of the Grand River will also distribute commemorative cards to the public during this celebration.
Road closures will occur on Chiefswood Road (Fourth Line to Fifth Line) and Fourth Line Road (from the Village Cafe to Lawrence Jonathan Lane) from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be general parking, shuttle service, and accessibility & seniors (55+) parking available.
SNGR said the event will be drug and alcohol-free and will occur rain or shine and for fans to dress according to weather forecasts.
They’re encouraging carpooling due to the expected influx of fans into the community, saying limited parking will be available at Ohsweken Speedway.
SNGR is also offering a shuttle service from the Speedway to the sports grounds from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
100 accessible parking spaces will be designated for seniors at the sports grounds on a first come, first serve basis and they’re warning motorists not to park on the side of Fourth Line Road or they could get towed.
All SNGR offices will be closed today for the celebration.
Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation is also closing early at noon today to allow staff to partake in the celebration.
Six Nations’ bingo matinee session is also cancelled today.
“Six Nations Bingo will remain open for 24-ball and will resume their regular evening session at 7 p.m. for a special Must-Go Jackpot game, from which a portion of the profits will be donated to the Henrique-Montour Foundation to commemorate the occasion,” SNGRDC said in a press release. “The Henrique-Montour Foundation supports causes in Brandon Montour and Adam Henrique’s home communities of Six Nations and Brant, respectively. We are thrilled to support the Henrique-Montour Foundation and honour Brandon Montour’s incredible achievement.”
Montour’s success has sprouted numerous fundraisers through the past two years to help minor sports in the community.
“Through this donation, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the communities that have shaped the lives of Adam and Brandon, including Six Nations,” said Matt Jamieson, President & CEO of SNGRDC. “It is our hope that the youth of Six Nations can see what is possible when you aim high and persevere, and we want to uplift them as they follow their dreams.”
SNGRDC said new and returning bingo patrons are encouraged to support the Henrique-Montour Foundation by participating in Wednesday evening’s session for a “fun-filled, rewarding gaming experience.”