Brad Marchand scored a significant goal for the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, dedicating it to his close friend’s daughter, Selah. The goal held deep meaning as it followed the recent passing of 10-year-old Selah Panacci-MacCallum due to a rare form of cancer. Marchand expressed his emotions during an interview, acknowledging the tough week and the special nature of the goal dedicated to Selah.
In addition to his goal, Marchand also secured the winning shot during the shootout, leading the Panthers to a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. He shared that he felt the support of his friends from Nova Scotia and believed that Selah was watching over them.
Marchand’s absence from a previous game was to be with his friend’s family in Nova Scotia, where he even stepped in as a coach for a local hockey team, supporting the MacCallum family during a fundraising event. Reflecting on the experience, Marchand emphasized the importance of cherishing life and living each day to the fullest in honor of Selah’s memory.
The Panthers’ head coach, Paul Maurice, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, highlighting that some things in life surpass the significance of hockey. Despite facing challenges like travel delays and lack of training, Marchand’s performance on the ice showcased his resilience and newfound perspective on life and its preciousness.
