Carla MacLeod, the head coach of Ottawa Charge, has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis and is heartened by the overwhelming support she has received. Following the public announcement of her diagnosis, MacLeod expressed gratitude for the outpouring of kindness from the hockey community and others.
As a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s hockey and the coach of the Charge since the PWHL’s inaugural 2023-24 season, MacLeod is a respected figure in the sport. She will travel to Calgary to meet with her medical team and will miss an upcoming game against the Minnesota Frost but aims to return to coaching later in the week. Additionally, she is set to coach the Czech women’s hockey team at the upcoming Winter Olympics in February.
Despite her diagnosis, MacLeod remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of early detection through regular medical check-ups. She is eager to begin treatment and resume her coaching duties, highlighting her passion for the sport. In her absence, assistant coach Haley Irwin will lead the team.
The Charge players, who consider themselves a close-knit family, received the news of MacLeod’s diagnosis with warmth and support during a team meeting. They plan to use her absence as motivation as they face the Minnesota Frost. Players like Brianne Jenner and Emily Clark expressed solidarity with MacLeod, praising her resilience and positive attitude throughout this challenging time.