Well over 3,000 people lined the streets of Ohsweken for a chance to see Brandon Montour bring the Stanley Cup to his hometown on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Before the celebratory parade got underway, Sherri-Lynn Hill, the 59th elected Chief for Six Nations of the Grand River, welcomed Montour, who recently won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, to the Ohsweken Speedway.
“It’s an exciting day to have the Stanley Cup here at Six Nations,” she said. “Brandon Montour is so inspirational and he’s such a positive role model for our children and youth. …His teamwork and his drive for hockey helps children dream big and show that realities can happen.”
Abram Benedict, Ontario’s regional Chief, was also onsite to extend his congratulations.
“What’s happening here today is a great, momentous moment. We’re here to celebrate and we’re here to uplift Brandon for the work that he has done. His hard work will show other youth across Turtle Island that great things and accomplishments like being in the NHL, are possible.”
Shortly after, Montour said that while the Stanley Cup was a win for himself and the Florida Panthers, sharing it with his community is something he was looking forward to.
“Yes, today is obviously about me and what I’ve done, but today’s about everyone else and sharing that,” he said. “…I get to share this with my friends and my family, but I also get to share this with everyone else around the area.”
He continued on to say that as someone who was a “hockey nerd” growing up, he’s grateful to not only be in his current position, but for everyone who supported him along the way.
“You know, I was just that little kid that was a hockey nerd and knew everything about the Detroit Red Wings, I knew every time they won, all their goals, and all their assists,” he said. “Ever since I became a fan of hockey, that’s kind of what my goal was and what I wanted to strive for so I’m really grateful to be in this position,” he said. …” I just appreciate all the support. [Whether] you’re playing at the highest level or the lowest level, everyone’s supporting each other, and for the kids growing up, no matter where you are, the supports here and that’s what every kid needs.”
Montour said that since his big win on June 24, he’s been busy going to various events and is looking forward to having some quiet time before he starts with the Seattle Kraken in September.
“It’s been crazy. The first week after we won, we celebrated as teammates and obviously with our families and then we had that first parade and it hasn’t really died down since then. My wife and I are going to be going to Seattle this weekend to find a place and then August is going to be pretty quiet. I’m looking forward to some quiet time and getting to chill out because when you play this long, you’re not going to have too much of a summer, but it’s part of the business.”
After talking to reporters, the celebratory parade quickly got underway as Six Nations police and firefighters led the way from the Ohsweken Speedway, down Chiefswood Road and finally landing at the Six Nations Sports & Cultural Memorial Centre.
Inside the arena, over 300 eager fans were already lined up waiting for a chance to meet Brandon and take a picture with the Stanley Cup.
After a Thanksgiving Address and a smoke dance, Chief Hill stood once more to congratulate the hometown hero.
“Thank you again, Brandon, for sharing your incredible victory with the community. This is an amazing day,” she said. “Many First Nations athletes from across Turtle Island have natural athletic ability and skills, but we all know that natural talent isn’t enough to be a great player. Brandon, your drive, your commitment, your dedication, your hard work and your love of the game all contributes to your ability and ultimate success. Hockey is a rough and tough sport, you get banged up but to excel, you must continue to work hard.”
Hill then gifted Montour with his own ribbon shirt and framed picture of his community’s support over the years before finally opening the gates to allow his fans a chance to personally congratulate him.
