Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers’ NHL player, Makes Heartwarming Gesture by Coaching Junior Hockey Team
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brad-Marchand-102925-1-be10df8530a04970b61668610dbc183a.jpg)
NHL left-winger Brad Marchand stepped away from the Florida Panthers to lend a helping hand to a junior hockey team on Wednesday, October 29. The Stanley Cup champion filled in as a coach for the March & Mill Co. Hunters team after their regular coach, JP MacCallum, faced a personal tragedy.
MacCallum had to take time off as his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, tragically lost her battle with cancer. In a touching display of support and friendship, Marchand offered to step in and coach the team during this difficult time for MacCallum.
The Florida Panthers forward’s absence from the team was noticeable as he missed their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, October 28. According to reports, Marchand took a leave of absence to attend Selah’s funeral, showing where his priorities lay – with supporting his friend in need.
On the day of the game against the Halifax Macs, the Nova Scotia U-18 Major Hockey League announced that Marchand, along with Andrew Bodnarchuk, would be covering for MacCallum as guest coaches. Additionally, the game was turned into a fundraiser to support MacCallum’s family during this challenging time.
Marchand went a step further by offering one of his jerseys as a raffle prize, with the proceeds going towards helping MacCallum and his family. The gesture was met with praise from the hockey community in Nova Scotia, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines the sport.
The bond between MacCallum and Marchand goes beyond their roles in hockey. The two have developed a close friendship over the years and have collaborated on various occasions, including during Marchand’s offseason training. Notably, Marchand is a co-owner of the March & Mill Co. Hunters team, along with his former Boston Bruins teammate, Kevan Miller.
Marchand took to Instagram to share details about the raffle and the event honouring Selah’s life. The post invited others to join in celebrating the life of the young girl who had a deep love for the game of hockey.
As for his return to the ice, Marchand is expected to rejoin the Florida Panthers for their upcoming game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, November 1, as confirmed by coach Paul Maurice. The skilled winger, hailing from Nova Scotia, has had a successful career in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
After being traded to the Panthers in March, Marchand played a key role in helping the team secure victory in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals held in June. His dedication to his team, community, and the sport of hockey shines through in his actions both on and off the ice.
Brad Marchand’s act of kindness and solidarity serves as a reminder of the true camaraderie and support that exist within the hockey world, transcending wins and losses to show that compassion and unity are at the heart of the game.