Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand is taking a break from the team to help out a friend whose 10-year-old daughter recently died of cancer.
Marchand has taken a leave of absence from the Panthers to return to his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in support of his friend, JP MacCallum, who coaches the March & Mill Co. Hunters of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Hockey League.
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MacCallum’s 10-year-old daughter, Selah, died last week following a year-long battle with adrenal cortical carcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
Marchand is helping to coach the Hunters in MacCallum’s place Wednesday night for a game against the Halifax Macs, in part so that McCallum can be with his family. March & Mill Co. is Marchand’s apparel brand and sponsors the team.
Former NHL defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk will also be on the Hunters’ bench alongside Halifax native and former Halifax Mooseheads junior hockey player and NHL prospect Ryan Hillier, former Cole Harbour youth hockey player Justin Smith and Marchand’s brother, Jeff Marchand.
The Hunters announced the honorary coaching staff in an Instagram post.
Marchand’s presence is also intended to honor Selah’s memory and to raise money for her family. Marchand announced a “Strength for Selah” raffle of two autographed jerseys on his social media.
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Marchand will raffle one jersey at the game and another online to raise money for the MacCallums. There is also a donation box at the entrance of the 6,300-seat Halifax Forum that hosts the game.
“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,” NSU18HL president Paul Graham via a statement. “Our thoughts are with JP, his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization.”
Marchand missed Tuesday’s Panthers game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Panthers next play on Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.