from Stephen Whyno of the CP at CTVNews,

Hundreds of friends, family members and teammates gathered Saturday at Mississauga Convention Centre to pay tribute to the life and career of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador, who died last weekend at the age of 35.

"Imagine if there was a time where there wasn't hockey: You wouldn't be able to have a place big enough for as many people to come to see Steve," former Calgary Flames teammate Craig Conroy said. "If you met him one time or you played with him for 10 years, you just love him. That's the kind of person he was."

In the middle of the season and on a snowy Saturday afternoon, the hockey community paid its respects to a man remembered for his contributions on the ice, in dressing rooms and through charitable endeavours outside the game. Montador was remembered as a best friend and ideal teammate by many.

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