As the Florida Panthers clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup with a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, Brad Marchand took a quiet moment to point toward the stands before joining his teammates in celebration. It was a moment of recognition. His family had been with him every step of the way.
Brad Marchand Shares Stanley Cup Glory With His Family
Marchand’s wife, Katrina, captured the heart of that moment. “Just recognition, we did it,” she told NHL.com. “Just telling us as a family, we did it. It’s worth it. We did it.”
For Brad, the win marked the end of a 14-year wait for his second Cup. He played a supporting role this time, finding comfort and freedom in the Panthers’ third line alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. He finished the playoffs with 20 points, including six goals and two game-winners in the Stanley Cup Final.
But before Game 6 started, Brad received a message that may have meant more than any stats sheet. His children, Sloane, Rue, and Sawyer, sent him a voicemail through The Players’ Tribune.
In the message, they wished him luck, said they were proud, and reminded him he was the “best daddy in the whole wide world.” After all, all that matters is the family’s unconditional love, regardless of the outcome of a match. “You’ve still got us, and we’ve got you.”
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The video, later reshared by Katrina on Instagram, included tender clips of the kids and their message of unwavering love and support. No matter the result, they reassured him they were proud. It was a poignant reminder that even amid high-stakes hockey, Brad’s biggest fans were always at home.
The Support System Behind Marchand’s Success
As the celebrations continued, Katrina took to Instagram to share a personal tribute for Father’s Day. In a photo carousel filled with moments between Brad and his children, she penned an emotional note that resonated far beyond the rink.
“To the best father there is,” she wrote. “We are so proud of how hard you tirelessly work to be the best you can be at your day job. But most of all, proud of the unbelievable father you’ve become.”
The post included a clip from the Stanley Cup Final, where Brad paused to kiss Sawyer’s head before heading down the tunnel. It wasn’t just another game; it was a shared journey for the Marchands.
READ MORE: Marchand’s Wife Gets Emotional Looking Back on Panthers Star’s Journey
Brad has two daughters, Rue and Sawyer, with Katrina, and a stepson, Sloane, from her previous relationship. Katrina’s message emphasized not only the athlete Brad is, but the loving and present father he’s become.
This year’s win was different for Brad, who was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Panthers just before the 2025 NHL trade deadline. It came without the heavy expectations of leading a team, but with the renewed focus of doing it for family.
His father, Kevin Marchand, said, “This is very meaningful to him. This is for them.”
From the emotional pregame messages to the postgame embraces, Brad’s second Stanley Cup run was special. And as he lifts the Cup once again, it’s clear that the foundation of that success was built just as much at home as it was on the ice.
