BREAKING…Vasily Podkolzin shows his true colors after the death of Brandon Montour’s brother. Video linked below.👇👇👇

BREAKING…Vasily Podkolzin shows his true colors after the death of Brandon Montour’s brother.
Video linked below.👇👇👇

In a world of fast-moving competition, high stakes and bright lights, it’s easy to forget the human side of sport. But a recent moment between Edmonton Oilers winger Vasily Podkolzin and Seattle Kraken defenceman Brandon Montour reminded us all just how real it is — and how powerful simple empathy can be.

The context
Brandon Montour returned to the ice for the Kraken following the tragic death of his older brother, Cameron.
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Prior to the opening face-off, Vasily Podkolzin skated over to Montour, checked in, offered his condolences and support.

What happened was brief, but it resonated — a moment of grace in the high-pressure arena of the NHL.

Why it matters
Humanity amid competition. Podkolzin’s gesture reminds us that even elite athletes — in one of the world’s toughest leagues — are people first: friends, rivals, colleagues who witness each other’s highs and lows.

Respect transcends teams. The fact that this occurred between players on different teams reinforces how the bonds of sport can transcend colour, uniform and rivalry.

Support in tough moments. For Montour, coming back after personal loss is not easy. To have that simple show of respect — perhaps unnoticed by many, but powerful for him — speaks volumes.

Character revealed. These moments reveal character more than any highlight-reel goal or hit. Podkolzin, known for his speed, skill and hot-prospect status, here showed something deeper: compassion.

A closer look at the gesture
Before puck drop, Podkolzin skated over to Montour. He placed a hand on Montour’s shoulder, exchanged a few words — you can see it clearly in video capture.
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That motion, modest and unembellished, said more than commentary could. In the face of Montour’s grief, Podkolzin simply was there.

In the broader scheme of the game, one play, one handshake might seem negligible. But for Montour in that moment — and for anyone watching — the gesture becomes significant: acknowledgement, solidarity, respect.

What we can take away
Empathy is timeless. In a career defined by statistics and performance, this showed that what matters off the scoreboard sometimes matters more.

The little things count. A brief interaction, a few words, a shared moment: these ripple.

Sport reflects life. The arena may be big, the stakes high, but lives intersect in ways that transcend the game.

Leadership isn’t always loud. You don’t need a mic or a megaphone. A quiet gesture can lead.

Final thoughts
Vasily Podkolzin’s showing of “true colours” wasn’t about fireworks or headlines. It was a moment of genuineness. In supporting Brandon Montour during one of his hardest nights, Podkolzin reminded us all: the real test of character might just be how you treat others when the spotlight is off.