“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 career amidst her recent health challenges.
MacLeod, the head coach of the Ottawa Charge, is taking an indefinite leave to focus on cancer treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer just a week into the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season in late November. Despite her diagnosis, she has only missed one game while undergoing treatment, demonstrating her commitment to the team.
The Ottawa Charge currently hold a record of 13-11-1, including seven overtime wins, placing them fifth in the league standings. In MacLeod’s absence, Haley Irwin has been appointed as the interim head coach.
“I think, unfortunately, but fortunately maybe, it’s not new to us that Carla has had to step away,” Irwin stated, emphasizing the team’s resilience. “So we’ve been through it before as a group, and we know that we just continue to do what we do.”
MacLeod, 43, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, has a notable coaching history, including leading the Czechia national women’s hockey team at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where they finished third in Pool A play. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a player on Canada’s national team.
The Ottawa Charge organization has expressed full support for MacLeod during this challenging time and has requested privacy for her family. They noted, “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery.”
MacLeod has scheduled her radiation treatments to avoid interfering with her coaching duties, showcasing her determination to balance her health with her professional responsibilities.
As the season progresses, the team will continue to adapt to her absence, with five games remaining in the season. The support from the organization and the community remains strong as they navigate this difficult period.
