Family, friends, Six Nations community join Brandon Montour at Stanley Cup hometown parade

People lined the main streets in Ohsweken, a community within Six Nations of the Grand River, on Wednesdayto welcomehometown NHL hero Brandon Montour as he broughthome 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," Montoursaid.

The defenceman spoke to reporters midday Wednesdaybefore the start of a parade in Six Nation, near Brantford, Ont., tocelebratethe Florida Panthers'championship win.

Montour, 30,who's Mohawk and partly grew up in Six Nations, and his Panthers teammates beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1in Game 7 on June 24 in Florida. As is tradition, members of the winning team get a day with the Cup.

WATCH | Brandon Montour brings Stanley Cup to hometown:

#TheMoment Six Nations hero Brandon Montour brought home the Stanley Cup

2 months ago

Duration 1:18

NHL player Brandon Montour recounts the moment he brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Ohsweken, a community within Six Nations of the Grand River.

"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," Montoursaid.

"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 acelebratoryparade, which startedatOhsweken Speedway and endedattheSix Nations Sports and Culture Memorial Arena.

"Brandon Montouris 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-oldsonJaemynwere among the many spectators cheering on Montour.

Johnson said he and Montour grew up playing lacrosse together. Johnson andJaemyn also watched Montour play in personduringGame 5 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Johnson said he flew infor 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."

WATCH | NHL star Brandon Montour's oldest fan might be 99-year-old Helena Logan:

99-year-old fan celebrates Brandon Montour's Stanley Cup parade at Six Nations

2 months ago

Duration 1:50

99-year-old Helena Logan might be Brandon Montour's oldest fan. She made it down to the Stanley Cup parade held at Six Nations of the Grand River on Wednesday July 24, 2024 to celebrate Montour's victory. She's been watching him play since before the 30-year-old began his NHL career began.

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 NHLcareer, 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, saidshe "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,noclue 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 NHLplayerAdam Henrique, amember of the Oilers,hold anannual golf tournament thatraises money for several charities in theregion that help childrenstay active through sports. This year's fourth annual tournamenttook place July 19at the MontHill Golf & Country Club in Caledonia.

Montourtold 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.