For the Montgomerys, a Night to Remember

Monty Montgomery Sr. looked on from the stands, beaming and tearing up as he watched his son, Monty Montgomery @CapMonty, take the ice for warmups.

The younger Montgomery is a rookie goaltender for the Halifax Raiders, who drafted him in the 7th round, 63rd overall, in last month's SMJHL Entry Draft. Tonight is a milestone, as he makes his first SMJHL start tonight at home against the Montreal Militia.

"All of those years, driving him to practice, to tournaments. He used to always talk about what he would do when he made the SHL. No "ifs." He was always that way." The elder Montgomery wipes his eyes as he recalls his son's confidence, with Marty's mother holding onto his arm. Both of them are adorned in Halifax Raiders jerseys, with MONTGOMERY #59 emblazoned on the back.

It's customary for the starting goalie to stretch and get limber while the backup goalie skates to the crease first to take warmup shots. Tonight, it's Biz Nasty @GrilledTwinkiez skating towards the net and Monty Montgomery skating to the bench area.

"We've always been proud of Monty," said his mother. Tricia. "He was just such a joy to raise. Always appreciative, always polite, always good in school. I'm so happy to see him where he deserves to be."