Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod is stepping away from the team for an undetermined period to focus on her ongoing breast cancer treatment, the club announced on Monday, April 6, 2026. [1] The 43-year-old from Spruce Grove, Alberta, first shared her diagnosis in late November 2025, just a week into the PWHL season. [2] Despite the challenges, she has remained resilient, staying in good spirits while prioritizing her health and recovery.
The organization expressed full support for MacLeod and her family, requesting privacy during this time. Assistant coach Haley Irwin will serve as interim head coach, effective immediately. Irwin previously filled in for one game on December 2 against the Minnesota Frost when MacLeod began treatment. [1]
MacLeod’s resilience through diagnosis and treatment
MacLeod’s determination shone through since her diagnosis. She traveled to her native Alberta for treatments but missed only that single Charge game early in the season. Her commitment never wavered, balancing club duties with international responsibilities.
Even amid radiation, MacLeod scheduled sessions to avoid conflicts with coaching Czechia’s national team at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics. She arrived upbeat, declaring cancer wouldn’t change her coaching approach. “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,” she said. “I’m pretty lucky.”
The Charge organization highlighted her positive outlook in their official statement. “She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery,” they noted. This mindset has inspired teammates and fans alike.
Her battle underscores the personal sacrifices in professional sports. Yet MacLeod’s focus remained on the ice, embodying leadership beyond tactics.
Leading Czechia at the 2026 Olympics
MacLeod guided Czechia to third place in Pool A at the Milano Cortina Games before a 2-0 quarterfinal shutout loss to Sweden. [3] Sweden’s Hanna Olsson scored on the power play, with Hilda Svensson adding an empty-netter, as Ebba Svensson Traff made 28 saves.
Czechia showed promise but struggled on special teams. Forward Natalie Mlynkova noted, “Special teams hurt us. We got some great looks… but unfortunately didn’t put the puck away.” [3] MacLeod’s preparation positioned them competitively.
This marked her second Olympics behind the Czech bench. Since taking over in 2022, she led them to a historic bronze at the 2022 Worlds. Her dual role highlighted her elite coaching prowess.
The experience reinforced her passion. Despite health hurdles, she prioritized the tournament, showcasing unbreakable spirit.
Ottawa Charge’s playoff push without MacLeod
The Charge sit fifth in the PWHL standings with 25 games played, holding 33 points and five games remaining. [4] They lead the league with seven overtime wins in a 13-11-1 record (adjusted for format).
The playoff race is tight, with fourth place determining the final berth. Montréal leads with 52 points, followed by Boston (51), Minnesota (46), and Toronto (34). Ottawa’s position demands consistency.
Key strengths include their overtime prowess and depth. Recent games, like a shutout road win in Seattle, show resilience.
Irwin’s familiarity positions her well. Having assisted since the PWHL’s inception, she knows the system intimately.
A storied career from player to coach
MacLeod’s path is legendary. Born June 16, 1982, she won Olympic gold as a defender for Canada in 2006 and 2010. [2] She earned all-star honors in Turin and collected multiple World Championship medals.
University stardom at Wisconsin included captaincy and the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Post-retirement in 2010, she coached Mount Royal, Canada’s U18, and Japan before Czechia.
Named Ottawa Charge head coach in 2023, she brought winning pedigree. Inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025, her impact spans eras. Learn more about her career.
Her list of achievements:
- Two Olympic golds (2006, 2010)
- Three World Championship golds (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Czechia Women’s Worlds bronze (2022)
- PWHL-leading OT wins with Charge
Looking ahead for the Charge and MacLeod
Haley Irwin steps into a high-stakes stretch. With playoffs looming, maintaining momentum is crucial. The Charge’s depth and home support at TD Place Arena could propel them forward.
Fans and the league rally behind MacLeod. Her story of grit amid adversity inspires the PWHL community. Recovery remains the priority, with hopes for her swift return.
The hockey world wishes her strength. Whatever the playoff outcome, MacLeod’s legacy endures—proof that true leaders battle on and off the ice.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.