As Brad Marchand laced up for what could be one of the most defining games of his NHL career, the heartfelt voices of his children offered a reminder that no trophy could ever compare to the love waiting at home. Just before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, The Players’ Tribune released a moving voicemail from his three kids—Sloane, Sawyer, and Rue—that instantly shifted the emotional temperature of the day. The Florida Panthers forward, now just one win away from hoisting the Cup, listened as his children offered their proud, tender encouragement. Sawyer’s words, “No matter what happens in the game, we’re so proud of you… you still got us and we got you,” captured the essence of what every athlete needs to hear in moments of overwhelming pressure.
Sloane’s message carried the weight of years of admiration, telling her father how incredible it’s been to watch him play through her entire childhood. Rue, the youngest, added a pure and simple touch, calling him “the best daddy in the whole wide world.” Their love, wrapped in their tiny voices, became a kind of armor for Marchand as he stepped into the arena, not just as a competitor but as a father whose greatest win was already assured.
Katrina Marchand’s support added another layer to this quiet, beautiful moment. By reposting the video and echoing her earlier Father’s Day tribute, she painted a picture of a man not just celebrated on the ice but deeply rooted at home—fiercely devoted and emotionally present for his children. For fans and fellow players alike, this glimpse into Marchand’s life off the rink offered a touching reminder: legacies are built not only with stats and silverware, but with the everyday love and admiration of those who know your heart best.