“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 journey as she takes an indefinite leave to focus on cancer treatment.
MacLeod, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just a week into the PWHL season in late November, has shown remarkable resilience, having missed only one game while undergoing treatment. The Ottawa Charge, currently holding a record of 13-11-1, including seven overtime wins, now faces a transition as they navigate the season without their head coach.
Haley Irwin, stepping in as interim head coach, acknowledged the challenge, stating, “I think, unfortunately, but fortunately maybe, it’s not new to us that Carla has had to step away. So we’ve been through it before as a group, and we know that we just continue to do what we do.” This sentiment reflects the team’s strong bond and determination to support one another during difficult times.
The Ottawa Charge currently sits fifth in the league standings, with five games left in the season. The organization has expressed full support for MacLeod, requesting privacy for her family as she focuses on her health. “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery,” the Ottawa Charge organization stated.
MacLeod, 43, from Spruce Grove, Alberta, previously coached the Czechia national women’s hockey team at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where they finished third in Pool A play. Her legacy includes two Olympic gold medals as a defender on Canada’s national team, showcasing her significant contributions to women’s hockey.
Despite the challenges posed by her diagnosis, MacLeod scheduled radiation treatments to avoid interfering with her coaching duties, demonstrating her commitment to her role and the team. As the Ottawa Charge continues their season, the focus remains on both the team’s performance and MacLeod’s health journey.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for MacLeod’s return, but the support from the organization and her colleagues remains unwavering as they rally around her during this critical time.