A goal was achieved by Brad Marchand for the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, after which he raised a finger and directed his gaze upwards.
The underlying reason was quite clear.
This particular goal was dedicated to Selah.
Marchand’s sixth goal in the current season, marking the 430th in his overall career, carried a unique significance. It unfolded three days following his return to Nova Scotia, where he commemorated the life of Selah Panacci-MacCallum, a 10-year-old girl and the daughter of his close acquaintance, JP MacCallum. Selah’s passing occurred on October 24, attributed to adrenal cortical carcinoma, a notably uncommon cancer.
“The fortunes of the game often align unexpectedly,” Marchand expressed during an interview broadcast throughout the arena in Sunrise, Fla., following the second period. “This week has been exceptionally challenging. Achieving this goal for Selah holds profound meaning.”
The subsequent goal held equal importance: Marchand also successfully executed what became the decisive shot in the shootout, ultimately securing a 4-3 victory for the Panthers over the Dallas Stars.
He acknowledged that numerous friends from Nova Scotia were watching, along with the understanding that someone else was watching from a higher perspective.
“I believe this carries significant emotional weight for everyone touched by Selah’s life,” Marchand commented. “She held an unparalleled affection for hockey, deriving immense joy from it, much like ourselves. We participate because of our love for the game and the enjoyment it brings. These moments serve as a reminder during difficult times, offering a glimmer of light in moments of darkness and evoking smiles.”
Marchand was absent from Florida’s match against Anaheim on Tuesday to support his friend’s family in Nova Scotia, a decision sanctioned by the Panthers. Marchand stepped in for JP MacCallum as the coach of the under-18 March and Mill Co. Hunters in Halifax on Wednesday night; Marchand holds a co-ownership stake in the team.
NHL star Brad Marchand made a surprise appearance at a Halifax U18 hockey game on Wednesday night to support a friend who is grieving the loss of his young daughter. The CBC’s Josh Hoffman reports.
‘Some things easily outweigh hockey’
The game on Wednesday served as a fundraising event for the MacCallum family.
“We deeply acknowledge the paramount importance of certain aspects, and while hockey holds significant value, some matters undeniably surpass it and necessitate attention. The experiences he’s navigating are profound. … Certain things simply take precedence over the game of hockey,” expressed Panthers head coach Paul Maurice earlier on Saturday.
Marchand dedicated approximately 12 hours to travel back from Nova Scotia on Friday, encountering flight delays. He had refrained from exercising for about a week before his skate on Saturday morning, which left him feeling less than optimal.
My perspective on existence has undergone a substantial shift, including my comprehension of its essence and its inherent worth.– Panthers forward Brad Marchand
Despite these factors, he delivered a remarkable performance.
“One could have anticipated it before the game,” commented Panthers forward Sam Reinhart.
Marchand expressed that his connection with JP MacCallum extends across numerous years, and he felt compelled to undertake the journey back home to express his respects for Selah.
“She embraced life to its fullest,” Marchand conveyed. “Upon reflecting on the week, my perception of life and its significance has been profoundly altered, particularly regarding its preciousness and the value of time. This perspective applies to every facet of our lives, not merely to a game or a sport.
Rather, it encompasses our daily existence, and she exemplified living life to its fullest.
“Our commitment lies in perpetuating her memory by living each day to the fullest, embracing its joys, and refraining from taking it for granted.”
