The head coach of Ottawa Charge and national women’s coach of Czechia women’s national ice hockey team, Carla MacLeod, has revealed she is battling breast cancer.
The 43‑year‑old coach said she feels “fortunate” for the medical team guiding her and expressed confidence in the treatment plan. She added that, although some variables remain uncertain, she aims to stay active with both teams.
Impact on Her Teams
The Ottawa Charge confirmed that assistant coach Haley Irwin will assume head‑coaching duties during MacLeod’s treatment. MacLeod said she will sadly miss the Charge’s next game but promised to remain involved with practices and team planning.
MacLeod also leads the Czechia women’s national team, which aims to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She said doctors assured her that treatment should have minimal impact on her Olympic coaching duties.
A Storied Career and Strong Resolve
As a former Olympic gold‑medalist defender for Canada, MacLeod enjoyed a decorated playing career before turning to coaching. She became Ottawa Charge’s first head coach at the league’s inception and led them to the playoffs in 2024–25.
Despite her diagnosis, she said coaching remains her passion and believes the support around her will help the team endure this difficult moment.
