Brad Marchand isn’t just a great hockey player — he’s also a true hero, something he proved on Wednesday when he helped coach a U18 team back home in Nova Scotia after his longtime friend lost his daughter to cancer.
Earlier this week, Brad Marchand took a leave of absence from the Florida Panthers to return home to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He did so to support his friend and trainer, J.P. MacCallum, who lost his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, to cancer.
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Brad Marchand’s beautiful gesture
MacCallum is the head coach of a U18 team that Marchand and his outdoors company, March & Mill Co., sponsor — the Hunters. On Wednesday, Marchand stepped behind the bench to help coach the Hunters in a game, easing some of MacCallum’s workload.
“This gesture reflects the true spirit of the hockey community in Nova Scotia — one built on compassion, loyalty, and connection that extends far beyond the rink,” Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League president Paul Graham said in a statement, according to NHL.com.
”She would be proud”
Marchand also spoke before the game.
“I think this is something that Selah would’ve absolutely loved. That’s why we’re doing it. She loved all of us. We all had great relationships with her, and she loved being part of this organization and this team with her dad. She would be very proud that we’re all here supporting her tonight and supporting her dad. It will be a special memory for us.”
Return to Florida
Now, appreciation is pouring in for what Marchand did.
“All-time human being,” Barstool wrote on X.
“Players hate playing against him, but you can’t deny the impact he’s had on and off the ice. Love this dude,” another user wrote.
“I love dunking on Brad, but at the end of the day, he’s a classy dude. Respect,” a third added.
Brad Marchand is expected to return to Florida in time for the Panthers’ home game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
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