“At the end of the day, I’m in an industry that’s about playing hockey. That’s a pretty good gig. And I’ve had it my whole life,” said Carla MacLeod, reflecting on her journey as she takes an indefinite leave from her coaching position with the Ottawa Charge to focus on her health.
MacLeod was diagnosed with breast cancer just a week into the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season in late November. Despite her diagnosis, she has shown remarkable determination, having missed only one game while undergoing treatment.
The Ottawa Charge, currently holding a record of 13-11-1 and sitting fifth in the league standings, has named Haley Irwin as the interim head coach during MacLeod’s absence. Irwin acknowledged the challenge, stating, “I think, unfortunately, but fortunately maybe, it’s not new to us that Carla has had to step away. So we’ve been through it before as a group, and we know that we just continue to do what we do.”
MacLeod, who is 43 years old and hails from Spruce Grove, Alberta, has a rich history in hockey. She previously coached the Czechia national women’s hockey team at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where the team finished third in Pool A play. Additionally, MacLeod is a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a defender on Canada’s national team.
In a show of support, the Ottawa Charge organization has requested privacy for MacLeod and her family during this challenging time. They expressed confidence in her resilience, stating, “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery.”
MacLeod has been proactive in scheduling her radiation treatments to minimize disruption to her coaching duties, demonstrating her commitment to both her health and her team.
As the PWHL season progresses, the Charge continue to compete, with five games left in the season and seven overtime wins, showcasing their competitive spirit even in the face of adversity.
The hockey community remains hopeful for MacLeod’s recovery and looks forward to her return to the rink when she is ready. Details remain unconfirmed regarding her treatment timeline and future coaching plans.
