Brad Marchand coaches youth hockey team after friend’s daughter dies of cancer

Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand left the team to become a guest coach for his friend’s under-18 hockey team in Canada after his friend’s daughter died from cancer. JP MacCallum’s daughter, Selah, was 10 years old.

Marchand returned to his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to coach the March and Mill Co. Hunters, of which he is part owner.

The game served as a fundraiser for the MacCallum family, with a raffle for an autographed Marchand jersey.

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Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand skates against the Boston Bruins during the first period at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson/Imagn Images)

“Please join us in celebrating an incredible evening at the rink made possible by the ongoing donation of a 10-year-old girl who loved the game with all her (heart),” Marchand posted on Instagram.

Marchand missed Florida’s game Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. Head coach Paul Maurice said he expects Marchand to be available when the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions face the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

Florida Panthers left winger Brad Marchand, who played more than 15 seasons with the Boston Bruins, touches his heart in appreciation for a standing ovation during a first-period break in Boston, Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo Charles Krupa/AP)

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Marchand quickly became a fan favorite in Florida after spending the majority of his first 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins. In New England, he won the Stanley Cup in 2011. However, in the midst of a mediocre season, Boston traded its longtime mainstay to Florida, who had appeared in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals.

Florida Panthers left winger Brad Marchand, center, who played more than 15 seasons with the Boston Bruins, reacts during a timeout in the first period in Boston on October 21, 2025. (Photo Charles Krupa/AP)

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The 37-year-old fit in perfectly, scoring two overtime goals, including one in double overtime in Game 2 of the final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers won the first game in overtime, but with Marchand’s help, Florida ended up winning the series in six games.

Florida struggled from the start, going 5-5-1 in its first 11 games. But the team is 4-1-1 at home, and based on their recent history, there’s no reason to leave them out.

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