Steven Montador was born on December 21, 1979 in Vancouver, British Columbia and he retired from the National Hockey League in 2012. Steve began his professional career signing with the Calgary Flames as an undrafted free agent and he was a member of the 2001 Calder Cup Championship winning Saint John’s Flames team. Steve made his National Hockey League debut on November 23, 2001 and recorded his first career point, an assist, in that same game. Steve’s first goal came against the New York Islanders on January 8, 2002 and he became a regular member of the Flames’ lineup, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup final during the 2003-04 season where they lost in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Over the course of his NHL career Steve also played for the Florida Panthers, the Anaheim Ducks, the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Chicago Blackhawks. After playing his final National Hockey League season for the Blackhawks in 2011-12, Steve retired from professional hockey due to injury.
KO Sports, Inc. was honored to represent Steve for the last four years of his playing career. Steve was a true warrior on the ice and a kind-hearted man who was always willing to help others.
KO Sports encourages all individuals, including the professional athletes we work with, to be open and candid about their mental health. Struggles with mental health can affect anyone, at anytime, and we strongly advocate working with mental health experts. In Steve’s memory, we can all be supportive, without judgment, to our friends and family members who struggle with mental health and emotional challenges. If you, or a close friend, or family member are feeling persistent sadness and depression, do not keep that hidden, please let someone know – there are professionals who can help. There is no stigma, or shame – only support, and love, to improve and safeguard your emotional health. This is a legacy that Steve would want all of us to embrace.
