They Say Hockey Guys Are The Best And Brad Marchand Dropping Everything To Go Help A Friend Only Helps Solidify That Reputation

As someone who worked in traditional sports media for almost 20 years, something you'd often hear writers and hosts say went something like, "Hockey guys are the best."

Former Boston Bruin and now Florida Panther Brad Marchand is only helping to solidify that reputation this week. 

Marchand stepped away from the Panthers and missed Florida's game Tuesday night against Anaheim. 

His reason? Marchand served as a guest coach Wednesday night for the under-18 March and Mill Co. Hunters in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in place of his friend JP MacCallum. MacCallum lost his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, to cancer last week, and the game was to honor her memory and support the family. And Marchand wanted to be there. 

“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,” NSU18HL president Paul Graham said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with J.P., his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization.” 

Marchand is a co-owner of the team along with fellow Bruins alum Kevan Miller. MacCallum and Marchad have worked together for 20 years, with MacCallum training the NHLer. 

Bruins fans LOVE Marchand, and for good reason, given his success in Boston. And the way he played the game in the Black and Gold. Just listen to the ovation he got last week when Florida came to the Boston Garden. 

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On the ice, Marchand is an absolute pest - someone you hate when your team plays against him. But you'd have no heart whatsoever to hate what he did here for his friend—an absolute gem. My guess is the next time he takes on the ice on the road - next Tuesday in Anaheim - he'll get a lot more road cheers than he's accustomed to. 

And he'll deserve every one of them for the way he supported his good friend in a time of need.