NHL player Brad Marchand surprised attendees at a Halifax U18 hockey game by stepping in to assist a close friend coping with the recent loss of his daughter. JP MacCallum, coach of the March and Mill Company Hunters, is grieving the passing of his 10-year-old daughter, Selah Panacci-MacCallum, following her battle with cancer. Marchand, a forward playing for the Florida Panthers, interrupted his NHL season to support MacCallum during this challenging time.
Expressing his sorrow, Marchand described Selah as a remarkable girl who touched many lives with her love and joy. He emphasized the impact she had on his own family and how she bravely fought her illness. Marchand, who has known JP for 25 years, highlighted their deep bond and the support he received from MacCallum during pivotal moments in his life.
Over a thousand individuals gathered at the Halifax Forum to show solidarity with the family, with the event also serving as a fundraiser to aid Selah’s relatives. The initiative included a bake sale, a 50-50 draw, and a jersey auction to generate financial support. Paul Graham, president of the U18 Major Hockey League, praised the community’s overwhelming turnout and noted the strong tradition of supporting one another among Nova Scotia hockey players and alumni.
Marchand’s decision to return home and assist MacCallum was met with approval from the Panthers organization, demonstrating their understanding and backing for his compassionate gesture. The event was not only a tribute to Selah but also a testament to the unity and solidarity within the local hockey community.
