Marchand’s Unexpected Mission in Nova Scotia: What Sparks His Emotional Coaching Journey?

Sometimes, the heart of a team beats far beyond the ice — and last Wednesday, Brad Marchand stepped in not just as a coach but as a friend filling big shoes to let J.P. MacCallum be with his family during a silently wrenching time. Selah, MacCallum’s daughter, was no ordinary fan; she was hockey incarnate, a bundle of boundless love whose spirit was woven into every game, every cheer from the stands. Knowing her since day one, Marchand’s tribute was more than symbolic — it was a testament to a bond that hockey forges between people, a shared pulse of passion and pain. The night was wrapped with community warmth: a raffle for a signed Marchand jersey helped raise funds for the MacCallums, echoing the generosity that’s the heartbeat of Nova Scotia’s hockey spirit. As Marchand took the bench, his focus sharpened, but the memory of Selah hovered, a reminder that sometimes the fiercest battles happen away from the puck drop. This was more than a game — it was a collective embrace, a promise that no one faces grief alone in this hockey family. LEARN MORE

Marchand volunteered to be behind the bench for the Hunters’ game on Wednesday to allow for MacCallum to be with his family.

In a video posted after the game, Marchand said Selah was, “an incredible girl, full of so much love and it was an honor to be in her life and know her.”

“.. Selah loved hockey, she loved her dad’s team more than anythnig, she loved going to the games, she was always there supporting them,” Marchand said. “We’ve known her since the day she was born, we’ve loved her since then. Sehla would have loved nothing more than to see us behind that bench together.”

In additon to Marchand coaching the team, there was a raffle for an autographed Marchand Panthers jersey. Donations to support the MacCallum family can also be directed through the raffle page.

“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,” said Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League president Paul Graham in a statement. “Our thoughts are with J.P., his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization.”

Before the game, Marchand spoke about the loss and supporting his longtime friend in an interview with High Button Sports.

“I think this is something that, this night here, Selah would’ve absolutely loved,” Marchand said in a video posted to social media. “That’s why we are doing it. She loved all of us. We all had great relationships with her and she loved being a part of this organization and team with her dad. She would be very proud we are all here supporting her tonight and supporting her dad. It will be a special memory for us.”

Marchand then took his place behind the bench and locked into business.