Ottawa Charge Coach Carla MacLeod Faces Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod has publicly disclosed her diagnosis of breast cancer, sharing the news during a team meeting on March 15, 2024. MacLeod described the emotional weight of the announcement, stating, “Any time you have to speak the words, ‘I have breast cancer; I have cancer,’ it’s challenging.”

The coach, who is in her third season with the Ottawa Charge, plans to temporarily step back from her duties while undergoing treatment. Despite this setback, she expressed her determination to return to the bench as soon as possible. “I know I’ll be in great hands,” MacLeod said. “The goal is to be back behind the bench as quick as possible and miss few games as possible, but recognizing I’ve got to make sure I’m healthy.”

MacLeod aims to continue her involvement with the team during her recovery and participate as a coach for Czechia at the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February. In her absence, assistant coach Hailey Irwin will lead the team. Irwin noted the team’s commitment to supporting MacLeod during this challenging time.

“It’s what Carla deserves,” Irwin said. “She’s sharing her story. She’s being vulnerable with it. The hockey community has been amazing.” Players and fans have rallied around MacLeod, providing overwhelming support through social media and personal messages.

Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld expressed confidence in the team’s leadership and resilience. “The outpouring of affection and support that the players showered on Carla is just indicative of who they are as hockey players, but who they are as individuals,” he remarked.

The news of MacLeod’s diagnosis has deeply affected the players. Team captain Brianne Jenner emphasized the emotional toll, stating, “It is news that no one wants to get, but we are doing what we often do and following Carla’s lead.” Jenner added that the team is committed to maintaining a positive attitude and continuing their passion for the game.

Emily Clark, another player, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the personal impact of the diagnosis. “You don’t think it is going to hit that close to home, but it is an important conversation to have,” she said. “(Breast cancer) has hit the women’s hockey team a few times now, and everyone knows someone who loves someone who has been affected by it.”

MacLeod has received messages of support from across the hockey community and hopes to use her situation to raise awareness. “There’s a lot of young women in this league,” she stated. “For so long, the narrative around breast cancer is twofold: it has to be within the family and you have to be over 50. I’m 43. It doesn’t know your age or your family history. It could hit any of us.”

She plans to share more about her diagnosis as she learns about her next steps. “This has been a bit of a journey for myself,” MacLeod reflected. “I suspect that story will be shared when my timing is right.”

The Ottawa Charge are set to face the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday at the Arena at TD Place, as the team rallies together in support of their coach.