Brad Marchand recognized at Canada's House of Commons for supporting a childhood friend who lost his 10-year-old daughter to cancer

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand received formal recognition in Canada’s House of Commons this week for his support of longtime friend J.P. MacCallum whose 10-year-old daughter Selah recently died following a battle with cancer.

During a statement in Parliament, MP Darren Fisher (Dartmouth–Cole Harbour) spoke about Marchand’s decision to return to Nova Scotia in the middle of the NHL season to stand behind the bench for MacCallum’s Dartmouth U18 Major program during a tribute event in Halifax.

“Last week in Nova Scotia, NHL star Brad Marchand showed us what real friendship and real heart look like,” Fisher said on the floor of the House.

“In the middle of his NHL season, Brad came home to stand behind the bench for his lifelong friend J.P. McCollum, head coach of Dartmouth's U18 Major Hockey team, who's facing every parent's worst heartbreak, the loss of his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, after a courageous battle with cancer.”

He noted that more than 1,000 people attended the event at the Halifax Forum which featured community fundraising efforts including a jersey auction and bake sale in support of the MacCallum family.

Fisher praised Marchand for prioritizing his community and the MacCallum family during their loss. The event in Halifax served as a public show of support for MacCallum and honored Selah’s life. Marchand traveled to Nova Scotia to be present behind the bench taking a brief leave from the Bruins to do so.

Fisher concluded by thanking Marchand and offering condolences to the MacCallum family:

“Mr. Speaker, I want to send all the love in the world to J.P., his loved ones, the team, and I want to thank Brad Marchand for reminding us that true greatness isn't measured just in goals, but in heart.”

Marchand returned to NHL action following the visit and previously dedicated a goal to Selah in a game against the Dallas Stars, pointing to the sky in tribute.

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Brad Marchand's wife Katrina pens tear-jerking message in Selah’s memory

Earlier last week, Brad Marchand and his wife Katrina shared emotional tributes honoring 10-year-old Selah MacCallum. Katrina posted a throwback photo with Selah on Instagram writing a message that celebrated her spirit and the bond their families shared.

“Sweet Selah, we’ll never be ready to say goodbye. Your light was one of a kind, your love knew no limits, and your heart carried a wisdom far beyond your years. You’ll be loved and missed always. 🤍” she wrote.

Brad Marchand also released a video expressing gratitude to fans and supporters who contributed to a GoFundMe and raffle for the MacCallum family. He explained that he and four close friends stepped behind the bench to coach JP MacCallum’s U18 Hunters team as a gesture of support.

“Selah loved hockey. She loved her dad’s team more than anything,” Marchand said in the video. “She was always there supporting them, and the five of us all shared a very deep bond with her. We’ve known her from the day she was born and loved her since then.”

He noted that all five were back home during this difficult time adding that coming together to coach felt like the right way to honor her.

Marchand thanked the public for their support and generosity toward Selah’s parents JP and Marta MacCallum saying their kindness meant a great deal to everyone touched by her life.