Brad Marchand Makes Heartfelt Gesture in Nova Scotia After NHL Absence
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Although he's missing time due to his own personal loss, Brad Marchand's latest actions display the deeper side of hockey, showing a side of him we rarely see.
When news broke that Brad Marchand would not play Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks because of a death in the family, the NHL world rallied around the polarizing forward and wished him the best, knowing it was bigger than hockey.
Marchand was still absent at Panthers practice on Wednesday, though when it comes to these types of situations, it's best to give the player as much time as they need to grieve, heal, etc.
Marchand Steps Up During a Difficult Time
However, Marchand missing practice is due to his unbelievably heartwarming and classy move down in Nova Scotia.
Tragically, coach JP MacCallum's family suffered a serious loss with the passing of his daughter recently, and as the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League rallied around MacCallum, Marchand stepped up.
According to a release, Marchand will assume coaching duties alongside Andrew Bodnarchuk in order to keep the team spirit alive, and allow MacCallum to take as much time as he needs to heal as well.
In an incredible show of support and friendship, Brad Marchand and Andrew Bodnarchuk will step behind the bench to catch the Marchand & Mill Co. Hunters this Wednesday as they face the Halifax Macs, allowing JP to remain at home with his family during this difficult time.
The news wasn't really a big focal point on social media and it seems like perhaps that was by intention as Marchand didn't want the attention.
It's a wonderful show of respect and friendship that Marchand not only is taking time out of his NHL schedule, but to do so only days after suffering a loss of his own.
Hockey World Praises His Compassionate Act
Paul Graham, President of the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League commended Marchand's actions and talked about how the hockey community and everyone as a whole can hopefully help MacCallum through this difficult time:
This gesture reflects the true spirit of the hockey community in Nova Scotia; one built on compassion, loyalty, and connection that extends beyond the rink.
Our thoughts are with JP, his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization.
Our thoughts are with JP, his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization.
As much as you may dislike what Marchand does on the ice, these types of acts show that on-ice antics are not indicative to the actual person's behavior, and it paints the forward in a whole new light.
It's times like these where we can all pause and realize that hockey's best moments don't happen on the ice, and it's sometimes the ones you least expect who make the biggest impact.
We here at Hockey Patrol would like to offer our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of JP MacCallum during this difficult time.
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