Ottawa Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Plans to Remain Active with Team and Czechia National Program
In a courageous and heartfelt announcement, Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod revealed Sunday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the difficult news, MacLeod made it clear she’s facing the road ahead with confidence and determination.
“Hearing those words was incredibly difficult,” MacLeod shared in a statement through the team. “But I want everyone to know that I’m going to be okay.”
MacLeod, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada and a respected figure in the hockey world, emphasized that she’s in good hands. Backed by a strong medical team, she’s already mapped out a treatment plan that she says gives her “tremendous confidence” in what lies ahead.
The Alberta native took the reins as head coach of the Ottawa Charge in September 2023, bringing with her not just an elite playing resume but a growing reputation as a tactician and leader behind the bench. In addition to her role with the Charge, she also serves as head coach of the Czechia women’s national team-a program she’s helped elevate to international prominence. Under her leadership, Czechia has secured a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Understandably, one of MacLeod’s first concerns after her diagnosis was whether she’d be able to continue supporting both teams during treatment. But after consulting with her doctors, she received reassuring news.
“I finally exhaled when my medical team assured me that my treatment should have minimal impact on being present for the Charge season and that I’ll still be able to coach Czechia at the Olympic Winter Games in February,” she said.
While she begins treatment this week, MacLeod will miss Tuesday night’s game against Minnesota. But she made it clear that her connection to the team won’t waver.
“Being with this team fuels me,” she said. “And I intend to stay as connected as I can during treatment.”
Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld echoed the organization’s full support for MacLeod during this time.
“The Charge and League are here to support Carla throughout her treatment,” Hirshfeld said. “Her strength, resilience, and optimism shine through in the most challenging of circumstances, and we know she’ll approach this next chapter with the same determination she brings to everything she does.”
MacLeod’s leadership-on and off the ice-has been a defining force for both the Ottawa Charge and Czechia’s national team. And even as she steps back from the bench temporarily, her presence will remain a guiding influence in both locker rooms.
This is a coach who’s built her career on grit, vision, and heart. And those same qualities will carry her through this fight.