In a move that transcends the realm of sports, Florida Panthers' winger Brad Marchand has taken a brief hiatus from the ice to support a childhood friend grappling with a devastating loss. According to NBC Miami, Marchand's friend, JP MacCallum, recently experienced the passing of his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, due to cancer. In a heartwarming gesture, Marchand served as a guest coach for the under-18 March and Mill Co. Hunters to honor the late Selah Panacci-MacCallum and to aid in fundraising efforts for the bereaved family.
Returning to his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marchand undertook the role of fill-in coach on Wednesday night, stepping in for MacCallum. The team, that Marchand co-owns, hosted a game that also featured a raffle for a signed Marchand jersey. “Please join us in celebrating an amazing night at the rink made possible by the ongoing giving nature of a 10 year-old girl that loved the game with all her (heart),” Marchand posted on Instagram. These events were planned not only to raise funds but to also pay tribute to the young fan's passion for hockey, as noted by NBC Miami.
In the midst of a promising start to the NHL season, Marchand's decision to put family and friends first has meant missing a game against the Anaheim Ducks. As reported by CBS Sports, the Panthers' coach Paul Maurice explained that "The schedule actually worked well for what he's going through, for what the family is going through." Maurice expressed understanding of the player's need to support his friend during this critical time.
