Tragedy struck this year just before the NHL Entry Draft as Bryan Marchment, former NHL defenseman and scout for the San Jose Sharks, died unexpectedly from a sudden heart attack on July 6th, 2022. He was 53 when he passed, having just celebrated his birthday in May.
Marchment was a hard nosed defenseman and was widely viewed as one of the hardest hitters in NHL history. When number 27 was on the ice, you always had to keep your head on a swivel. Marchment played for The Sharks, Oilers, Jets, Blackhawks, Whalers, Lightning, Avalanche, Flames and Leafs over his 17-year NHL career.
Bryan's son, Mason, started his own NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was traded to the Florida Panthers where he truly found his game at the highest level. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Marchment inked a new deal with the Dallas Stars. Mason lacks the thunderous hitting ability his father had, but still plays a heavy, hard nosed style. In honour of his father, Mason has decided to wear his father's number 27 when he suits up with the Stars this season. A touching tribute to a man who was feared on the ice, but beloved by his family and those who knew him around the league.
