By: Isabelle Bujold, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
For those familiar with Brandon Montour’s story, his rise to the NHL is nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Ohsweken, Montour spent eight years in Tilbury, where he completed elementary school at Tilbury Area Public School in 2008.
Montour began skating in Tilbury before starting his hockey career in minor hockey with Cambridge, Ont. He went on to compete in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and at the university level, eventually being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft. Montour quickly made a name for himself in professional hockey and, in 2024, reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. He now plays as a defenseman for the Seattle Kraken.
Off the ice, Montour has been a key figure in his community. To give back to the place where it all began, he partnered with the NHL Players’ Association to launch a skating program at his former elementary school. As part of the initiative, Montour donated 50 new pairs of skates, helmets, and gloves, giving students the chance to learn and share in his passion for skating.
The program, held every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Tilbury Arena, began on Nov. 13 and will run until March. It has attracted many students, primarily from Grades 3 and 4, with assistance from Grade 7 and 8 helpers, parents, and teachers. The program offers a range of on-ice experiences, allowing students who might not otherwise have had the chance to learn how to skate, improve their skills, or simply enjoy the sport.
A retired school staff member played a key role in contacting Montour and now volunteers to support the program. Kristen Fenlon, a teacher at the school, has also been instrumental in its launch.
“The most rewarding part is seeing the students improve each time we go. They are excited and eager to get better,” said Fenlon, adding that “without Brandon’s donation, the program would not have been possible.” While the community contributed skate donations, Fenlon noted that the sizes were too scattered to allow an entire class to participate. Thanks to Montour’s generosity, nearly all the Grade 3 and 4 students can now be on the ice at the same time.
The program’s launch has been met with enthusiasm from students, teachers, and parents. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents expressing excitement about their children learning to skate. Many also attend sessions to watch their children proudly take to the ice.
Fenlon hopes the program will continue to grow, with plans to include more grades and age groups. To support this vision, the school is actively seeking additional donations.
