Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand has returned home to Nova Scotia to coach a special tribute game in Halifax, honouring the memory of his longtime friend’s daughter.

Marchand stepped away from the Panthers this week to support JP MacCallum, owner of the U18 March & Mill Co. Hunters, whose 10-year-old daughter Selah Panacci-MacCallum died last Friday after a battle with cancer.

The tribute game was held Wednesday night at the Halifax Forum, where Marchand joined former teammate Andrew Bodnarchuk behind the Hunters’ bench. The event served as both a celebration of Selah’s life and a fundraiser for the MacCallum family, with donations accepted and a raffle held for a signed Marchand jersey.

Selah had inspired the team throughout her illness, with the Hunters dedicating their season to her and wearing “Strength for Selah” jerseys at their home opener. A bursary has also been created in her name to support others in the hockey community.

Marchand is expected to rejoin the Panthers for their next game on Saturday against Dallas.