Montrose's current emphasis is made on further perfecting his skills, maturing as a player and investing effort into a bright future in hockey.

The fifteen year old who played high school last season is hoping to cash in big time when the time is ripe!

At the moment Montrose does not think too much about the recruiting process or what teams he will be playing for down the line.

"I feel those things will work themselves out, I just need to continue to play and work to improve," points out Montrose. "My ultimate goal is to receive a scholarship and play Division 1 College Hockey in the CCHA or the WCHA. My parents and I have talked with two Division 1 Colleges, three USHL Teams, two NAHL Teams, three OHL Teams, three Prep Schools and numerous Junior B Teams in the CSJHL and the MJHL. My parents will handle the on-going recruiting process so that I can focus on grades and hockey." ... continued below podcast ....

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According to Montrose being selected to participate in the U-15 Select Festival in St. Cloud, Minnesota earlier this year makes for his greatest highlight in hockey.  

"This is a tournament that brings the best of the best together," indicates Montrose. "It was exciting to play with and against so many great players."

Montrose chose to play for the Little Caesars "AAA" U-16 Hockey Team of the MWEHL this season in order to expose himself to high level coaching.

"I chose to play on this team after speaking to the Head Coach and meeting the team," says Montrose. "I believe that Coach Brown can probably assist me in learning and playing defense better than just about anyone, as he also played this position in college and at the professional level.  Additionally, after meeting the team, they made me feel like I was part of their family."

Montrose has been working on strength training and conditioning all summer to get bigger and faster.

Montrose started summer off playing at the Prospects 1991 Tournament in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Little Caesars.

He then played in the MSHL Summer League at Suburban training center in Farmington Hills, Michigan for the Huskies.

"This was a great league for me to play in with the majority of the players being college and junior players," comments Montrose.

Montrose also attended the Michigan High School Excellence Program in Chelsea, Michigan.

"This was more like a week long training session," states Montrose.

Montrose attended the USA Select Bantam Camp in Saulte Saint Marie, Michigan and advanced to the National Festival in St. Cloud Minnesota.

"I was # 5 on Team Red, and we ended up winning our division going 4-1," notes Montrose. "I got three points in five games, made some great new friends, and really enjoyed my summer!!!"

Last season saw Montrose play for his high schools varsity hockey team, Howell High School.

Montrose believes he had an overall solid season last year.

"In general, I played pretty well last year," remarks Montrose. "It was awesome to play in front of so many of my friends every game. It was nice to be so close to home, being able to practice or have a game every day, and still have time to attend school events.  That's something you miss when you play AAA hockey.  High Points from last year were receiving honors for All-State Honorable Mention, First Team All-League (KVC), First Team All-County, Second Team All-Area, and Rookie of the Year and Defensemen of the Year all as a freshmen."

Montrose mentions the team could have done much better last season but for lack of team effort, commitment and dissention among teammates.

Montrose feels he had really great coaching throughout his career but gives special credit to coach Marty Passino.

"Each coach teaches you something different, but I would have to say that Marty Passino was one of the most influential coaches I have had," asserts Montrose. "Coach P not only taught me how to be a better hockey player, he taught me how to be leader.  He helped me to become the person I am today.  Respectful, Humble and Considerate both on and off the ice.  Jeff Bond is another coach who taught me how important it is to continue to work on your skill set  and how to read the ice better and to be more patient with the puck."

Montrose describes himself as a mobile and agile player that has strong skating skills and an above the average lateral movement.

"I have good puck control skills and I'm a strong passer," adds Montrose. "I'm  responsible in the defensive zone and have the ability to read the rush and jump in."

Montrose believes his ability to control an opponent in a one-on -one situation all while playing under control is another asset to his game.

Montrose admits he need to focus more making quicker and better decisions while under pressure.

He also feels he has to build up his frame some.

"Strength!" declares Montrose. "I have to get bigger and stronger."