Montour Set To Open World Championships With Canada

Former Chatham-Kent Cyclones defender and Tilbury resident Brandon Montour will wear a Team Canada jersey for the first time in his hockey career this week when the IIHF World Hockey Championships open in Slovakia.

Montour, who plays for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, was one of 22-players named to Canada’s roster.

“It’s always a special opportunity when you get the call to represent your country on the international stage,” said Jason Botterill, part of the team’s management team who put together the roster.

“This roster is a mix of youth and veterans who will help lead the way in this short-term competition.”

Team Canada has started their training game in Vienna, Austria, which includes as pre-tournament game today, May 7, against Austria.

Montour, 25, had 35 points this season playing in all 82 games split between the Sabres, and Anaheim Ducks, who traded the talented offensive defenseman midseason.

Canada opens the tournament May 10 against Finland.