Montour Explains Why He Joined the Kraken

Next week, NHL champion Brandon Montour will bring the Stanley Cup to Six Nations of the Grand River. The First Nations community near Brantford, Ont., will celebrate on July 24 at the Six Nations Sports and Culture Memorial Arena, featuring the former Florida Panthers defenseman and the trophy he helped win in June.

The celebration will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and include a parade from Oshweken Speedway to the arena, with roads closed to accommodate the event.

"Please be mindful that time is limited, and we anticipate thousands of fans," the Six Nations Elected Council said in a news release on Monday. The council also asks guests not to park on the side of the road.

Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill expressed pride in Montour's accomplishments: "This celebration is historic, and we're glad Brandon is sharing his day with Six Nations." Montour, who partly grew up in the community and was born in Brantford, has had a significant impact on the locals. "When you see someone like you have that success and get to the top, it just changes something in you," said local musician Jace Martin.

On July 1, the Seattle Kraken announced Montour signed a seven-year deal with the team. While the celebration at Six Nations is confirmed, CBC Hamilton is still awaiting a response from the City of Hamilton regarding whether the Stanley Cup will also visit Hamilton, with Panthers player Carter Verhaeghe hailing from nearby Waterdown, Ont.