Ottawa Charge’s Emily Clark Speaks Out After Coach Carla MacLeod’s Cancer Diagnosis: “We’ve Got Her Back”
Emily Clark has always been one of the last players off the ice at TD Place, and Monday was no different. After practice wrapped, she lingered for a long, quiet conversation with Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod - a familiar post-practice ritual between two people who’ve shared a 14-year bond built on trust, respect, and a shared love of the game.
But this time, the moment carried a different weight.
Just a day earlier, MacLeod had gathered her team and shared news no one was expecting: she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It hit us hard,” Clark said, her voice steady but heavy with emotion. “But she’s been so brave and courageous. You wouldn’t know [about her illness] because she shows up with the same energy, positivity, and charisma every day.”
That’s who Carla MacLeod is - a coach who leads with heart, and a presence that lifts a room. And even in the face of a life-altering diagnosis, she hasn’t flinched.
Her players noticed. So did Clark.
“Definitely shocking news,” Clark added, “but happy that she had the courage to share that with us and with everyone. Obviously, we have her back, and we’ll be with her every step of the way.”
Clark’s connection to the cause runs deeper than most. Back in March, she made headlines by teaming up with Broadhead Brewery to launch “Ottawa Wheat 26” - becoming the first female pro athlete in Canada to release her own signature craft beer. While the beer itself grabbed the spotlight, the heart of the initiative was always about giving back: a portion of proceeds went directly to The Breast Health Centre at The Ottawa Hospital.
Clark lost an aunt to breast cancer. Now, her coach - and close friend - is facing the same fight.
“You don’t think it’s going to hit that close to home,” said Clark, the ever-present smile she wears during interviews fading as her voice cracked and tears welled. “But it’s an important conversation to have. It has hit the women’s hockey world a few times now… everyone knows someone and loves someone who’s been affected by it.”
She’s right. Former Toronto Sceptres goaltender Erica Howe is a breast cancer survivor. And stories like these are becoming more visible in the women’s hockey community - not just because they’re happening, but because players and coaches are bravely choosing to speak out.
Clark will miss Tuesday’s home game against the Minnesota Frost as she travels to Calgary to meet with doctors, but she’s already planning to rejoin the team in Toronto for Thursday’s matchup against the Sceptres. That’s who she is - committed, focused, and always finding a way to show up.
As for MacLeod, she’s still waiting on the full details of her treatment plan. But her intention is clear: she wants to keep coaching.
That means staying behind the bench for the Charge, and continuing her work with the Czechia national women’s team. She’s not planning to let cancer define her role or her presence in the game.
In a moment that could have fractured a locker room, it’s instead become a rallying point. The Charge are moving forward with their coach at the center of it all - not just as a leader, but as someone they’re fighting for.
And with Emily Clark helping set that tone, they’re in good hands.