Brad Marchand's Stanley Cup Run Divides His Hometown Fans
As the Stanley Cup Final heats up, so does the debate in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia — the hometown of NHL star Brad Marchand. With the Florida Panthers facing off against the Edmonton Oilers, locals are finding themselves caught in a uniquely Canadian dilemma: do you cheer for the homegrown hero or the nation’s last shot at bringing the Cup back to Canadian soil?
Brad Marchand, already a seasoned veteran with a Hall of Fame-worthy career, is back on the ice for his fourth Stanley Cup Final. This time, it’s with the Panthers, who are squaring up against a determined Edmonton team. In Game 1, the Oilers edged out the Panthers in a 4-3 overtime thriller, with Marchand making his mark by netting his fifth goal of the playoffs. Still, while his on-ice performance continues to impress, it’s the reactions off the ice that are stirring passionate conversations back home.
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At the St. Margaret’s Centre in Upper Tantallon — the rink where Marchand honed his early skills — the atmosphere is split. Some fans, like Danny McPhee, are sticking with national loyalty. “I’m still rooting for the Oilers, basically because they are Canadian,” McPhee said, echoing a sentiment familiar across the country whenever a Canadian team reaches the final.
But others are firmly in Marchand’s corner, including former area MLA Ben Jessome. “As much as I’d love to see the Oilers win a cup, I’ve been friends with Brad since we were kids. I’ve played with him over the years and I’m really excited to see him in another cup final and hopefully he brings it home,” he shared. It’s not just about hockey — it’s about community, connection, and pride in seeing one of your own shine on the biggest stage.
Marchand’s roots run deep in the Maritimes. From the TASA Ducks in his minor hockey days to his time in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats and Halifax Mooseheads, his journey is well-known in the region. He’s embraced the attention — and even the infamous nickname “rat” — with a shrug and a sense of humour. “I didn’t think that one would stick,” he said with a laugh, “but it’s kind of a compliment at this point.”
So, whether you’re pulling for the Canadian squad or hoping the hometown kid hoists the Cup once more, one thing’s certain — Brad Marchand continues to be a name that ignites pride, debate, and passion on both sides of the fan line. In Hammonds Plains and beyond, the hockey heart beats strong.
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