Brandon Montour, a defenseman for the Seattle Kraken, made a poignant return to the team recently, grappling with deep personal loss. His older brother, Cameron, passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) complications on Monday. This devastating condition affects the nervous system, leading to severe physical deterioration over time.
Brandon Montour’s Emotional Return
Despite his grief, Montour faced the media with heartfelt reflections on his brother. During a press conference, he acknowledged Cameron’s enduring spirit, sharing, “He’s probably smiling and chirping me up there, but I love him.” The 35-year-old defenseman spoke about the pride he felt being Cameron’s brother, noting his brother’s significant role in his life as a son, friend, and father to two daughters.
Support from the Kraken Organization
Kraken’s coach, Lane Lambert, highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting Montour during this challenging time. Lambert stated, “Clearly, our hearts have been with him. The support has been with him.” He emphasized the importance of Montour’s return, not only for his skills on the ice but also for his leadership presence within the team.
Montour’s Commitment to the Game
Montour is known for his resilience and ability to quickly get back into the game. Even after taking time off to deal with his loss, he expressed determination to return to form. “I’m going to try to get back into it as quickly as I can and focus,” he said. Montour is expected to pair with teammate Ryan Lindgren in the upcoming matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.
Community and Teammate Support
- Montour has felt an overwhelming outpouring of kindness from his teammates and coaches.
- He expressed gratitude for the support, recognizing the significance of their presence during his grieving process.
- He acknowledged that though there are often no words to comfort someone in grief, knowing others are there is essential.
As Montour re-integrates into the Kraken lineup, he recognizes the importance of being back in Seattle. He mentioned that being with his children and the team provides a healing effect, helping to distract him from his heartbreak. “Seeing my kids and being a part of this again… it keeps my mind off other things,” he shared. Montour’s journey reflects not only his dedication to hockey but also the profound connection to his family, emphasizing the importance of community and support during tough times.
