PITTSBURGH – Marco Scandella said he was at peace with his decision to leave his father's bedside Friday and return to the Wild.
The 25-year-old defenseman, who was away from the Wild for two games and one week, thanked the team for letting him return to Montreal so he could say "goodbye" to his father, Francesco, who was born and raised in Italy but emigrated to Canada, where he worked in construction and as an electrician. Francesco is in the final stages of prostate cancer.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without him," said Scandella, one of four children to Francesco and Sandra Scandella. "My family's going to miss him. … It's tough saying goodbye. It's not an easy situation, but at least I got to say goodbye to him. I definitely learned a lot from him. He taught me most of what I know today.
"I'm just going to have to keep proving his name and being a great person, a great player and just doing what he taught me."
Scandella, whose voiced cracked and eyes welled with tears as he spoke after the Wild's morning skate Tuesday, said it was time to concentrate on hockey. Saturday in Dallas, Scandella scored a third-period tying goal to force overtime.
"Definitely scored that goal for him," Scandella said. "I have a lot to thank to my dad. It's a tough situation, but I just have to keep playing hard."
Scandella said he's going to remain with the team when his dad passes away. His family will do something formally next summer so Scandella can memorialize his dad.
"I'm here with the team to stay. My dad's wishes will be met," Scandella said. "It was a tough week, and just seeing the guys, we have a great group of guys in here and really supportive, and it was just great to get back with everybody."
