SAD NEWS: Brad Marchand’s Family Announces Mother’s Diagnosis with Diabetes

Just 30 minutes ago in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, the family of NHL star Brad Marchand shared urgent and emotional news with his fans and the wider hockey community. In a heartfelt announcement, the Marchand family revealed that Brad’s mother has been diagnosed with a disease affecting only about 9.4% of the Canadian population—mild diabetes.

Family’s Statement

The Marchand family released a brief but poignant message:

“We want to let Brad’s supporters know that his mother has recently been diagnosed with mild diabetes. This news has been difficult for our family, but we are grateful for early detection and the support of our friends, loved ones, and medical team. We kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we focus on her health and recovery.”

About Diabetes in Canada

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. In Canada, approximately 9.4% of the population is living with diabetes, according to recent health statistics. Mild diabetes, often referred to as early-stage or Type 2 diabetes, can usually be managed with medical supervision, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing support.

Support from the Community

The news has quickly spread throughout the hockey world, with fans, teammates, and organizations reaching out to offer their encouragement and solidarity. Brad Marchand, well-known for his fierce competitiveness on the ice and his deep commitment to family, is expected to spend time supporting his mother during this challenging period.

Moving Forward

The Marchand family remains hopeful and positive, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, healthy living, and regular medical care. They also encouraged others to pay attention to their health and to seek professional advice if they have concerns about diabetes.

As the Marchand family faces this new challenge, the outpouring of support from fans and the broader community is a testament to the strength and unity that defines the hockey world.

Brad Marchand Brings Playoff Juice to the Florida Panthers

Brad Marchand, pictured here against the Tampa Bay Lightning last Tuesday, brings a wealth of playoff experience to the Florida Panthers. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Panthers brought in a known quantity when they traded for Brad Marchand last month.

They know him, he knows them.

Marchand, who spent all 16 of his NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins before coming to the Panthers at the NHL Trade Deadline, goes into his first postseason wearing something other than black and gold.

In his career, he has played in 157 playoff games spanning 12 seasons. His Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011, and they went to the Final two other times.

Marchand knows exactly what it is like to put up or shut up at this time of year.

He is, Sam Reinhart said, “built for this time of year. Everyone hates to play against him, but he is someone everyone would want to have.”

In those 157 games — which is more than double Sasha Barkov’s franchise-leading 71 playoff games — Marchand has 56 goals and 138 points.

The Panthers upset the Bruins in 7 in 2023, but don’t blame Marchand; he had four goals and 10 points in those games.

When the Panthers open in Tampa on Tuesday night for Game 1, Marchand will be ready to bring his best.

“This team is built to want to win, they have that drive,” Marchand said. “When you walk into that room, everyone was really excited for each and every one of us to come in and be part of the group. But, I think we were just as excited to come in and be part of an incredible group.”

Marchand, 36, has had his share of battles with the Panthers over the past few years.

But that is nothing to how he has earned his reputation as one of the most disliked players in the NHL.

“You saying people don’t like me?” he joked on Saturday.

Marchand has a definite way of getting under the skin of opponents, even famously licking Toronto’s Leo Komarov and Tampa Bay’s Ryan Callahan during the 2018 playoffs.

The NHL actually had to tell him if he did it again, there would be consequences.

So far, he has refrained from getting that close to an opponent again — although, last year, he sized up Sam Bennett as the two were headed to the bench.

Bennett saw the hit coming, turned into it, and ended up knocking Marchand out for a couple of games with a suspected concussion.

Video shows Bennett’s fist catching Marchand in the face, but Bennett has denied that it was done on purpose.

Regardless, the two are now boys and are, as they say, pulling on that same rope with the Panthers.

Brad Marchand is a member of the Panthers now, even if he still refers to his new team as “them” whenever past battles against the Bruins are brought up.

The Panthers expect to see some of that postseason grind he is famous for.

“This is a huge rivalry and those are the best series to be a part of,’’ Marchand said. “Emotions are high, intensity is through the roof, and there is obviously a lot of history there. I am really looking forward to being part of this group, going to battle with the guys.”