Sean Montgomery played his last game as a Raider against the Guelph Storm Tuesday in Halifax. (Vincent Ethier/CHL Images.)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Full Monty

Montgomery says ‘going to be pretty weird’ not wearing Raiders jersey

May 23, 2019 | 1:42 PM

For the last five years, Sean Montgomery has only put on one jersey in his entire career: the Prince Albert Raiders jersey.

He’s put on that green and gold Raider sweater more than any other player in history, and chances are more than good that no other player will match or beat it.

In total, Montgomery played 405 games, including a Raider record 345 regular season games, alongside 35 playoff games, 22 preseason games and three matches at the 2019 Memorial Cup Presented by Kia in Halifax, N.S.

But on Tuesday, Montgomery played his last game as a Raider. He capped off his career and 20-year-old season with a goal, on one of his now-trademarked tips in front of the net, as the Raiders were eliminated by the Guelph Storm 5-2 at the Memorial Cup.

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“It’s special, it’s an honour. It’s going to be pretty weird not putting it on anymore,” Montgomery said of wearing the Raiders’ crest.

Having been around for the past five seasons, Montgomery was on the team before any of the coaches, or even General Manager Curtis Hunt.

Montgomery went through a lot. From his rookie season in the 2014-15 year to last year, the Raiders won a total of four playoff games — three of those were in the 2018 playoffs in their first round exit in seven games to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

But this year, the Raiders ran the table in the WHL on their way to the championship and won all four series they played in the playoffs. It was a sweep over the Red Deer Rebels, beating the Saskatoon Blades in six games, gutting out a six-game victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings in the conference finals, then beating the Vancouver Giants in seven games in the finals.

“We’re proud of each other and what we accomplished. The team, you know, it came a long ways,” Montgomery said. “Just two years ago, we were almost dead last in the league. Now we’re champions of the league. It’s something to be proud of.

“This is definitely the best group of guys I’ve been a part of,” Montgomery added. “Everyone wanted to win, but it’s just one of those things, we couldn’t do it.”

Even when there were years when victories were difficult to come back, Montgomery said he always felt support from the fan base.

“It’s been incredible. Every year, even when we weren’t doing so well. It’s still been unbelievable. I can’t thank the city of P.A. enough for my time.”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW