The AP Raiders community is no
stranger to coming together when it matters most, and this community and our
players have come together in full force for one another. Offering support,
love and kindness - our hockey players and their families are consistently
stepping up for each other.
Ajax Pickering Raiders community
members have come together to support one of our own Raiders. Just recently,
one of our Raiders families received shocking news – their son and U16A AP
Raiders player, Bobby Montgomery — son of Justin and Katie, was diagnosed with a
brain tumor and was scheduled to undergo surgery at Sick Kids Hospital in
Toronto.
Bobby’s surgery went well and the APMHA received word that
he is on the road to recovery.
To show their support for Bobby and his family, the two
APMHA U16BB teams came together on Sunday January 12th and before
the game, both teams gathered at center ice and raised their sticks in a 17
second salute to honor Bobby, whose strength and determination have inspired us
all.
The APMHA wanted to show their support and joined in the
effort to raise funds to support the family; the association, alongside the
U16BB teams, were able to give Bobby and his family a donation to assist with
the travel back and forth to Sick Kids Hospital and with Bobby's recovery. Head Coach Justin
Montgomery, who has given countless hours of coaching and dedication to youth
hockey in our community, was able to attend the ceremony to accept the donation
on behalf of the family.
Bobby's difficult journey began when he was diagnosed with
a concussion in October 2024; with persisting symptoms and no sign of relief,
Bobby and his parents Justin and Katie, fought for answers. Discovering the
unimaginable, the family would like to strongly remind our APR players and
families to take action if you suspect there is more to your players symptoms
after an injury – do not stop at the first diagnosis and be persistent in your
efforts to make sure your player is diagnosed and treated.
The Montgomery Family would like to extend their
gratitude to everyone for their support, it has helped them work through this
very difficult time and has meant everything to them.
It is moments like this that highlight the incredible
passion and unity of our hockey community, and the Raiders community is constantly showing that we are always stronger together; this was truly a hockey
family coming together and the APMHA could not be prouder of our players,
coaches and families.