Six Nations celebrates return of Panthers’ Brandon Montour

Many supporters turned out at the gathering place in Six Nations of the Grand River Thursday evening to celebrate the return of local hero, Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour.
To the near capacity crowd who came together for a community celebration in Oshweken, it didn’t seem to matter much that guest of honour Brandon Montour arrived empty handed.
Montour, who is from Six Nations, was back in town for the first time since the Panthers’ incredible run to the Stanley Cup finals.
While he may not have won hockey’s ultimate prize after his Panthers were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights, the nine-year NHL veteran definitely felt the love from his home community.
Despite some hockey fans having prior allegiances, the whole community had jumped on the Panthers’ miracle run to become the lowest seed since 2014 to reach the Stanley Cup finals.
During their playoff run, Six Nations raised money by selling lawns signs featuring Montour’s Florida jersey and some with his signature.
Cheques were later presented to all of the minor sports associations in the community with the proceeds from the sales.
Chief Mark Hill says he hopes local youth can see themselves in Montour and be inspired to reach the top of their field, whatever that may be.
While he may not have won the cup, Montour had a celebration of his own during the finals when he and his wife Ryian welcomed the birth of his first child, a son, after game one.