Ottawa Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Vows to Return Behind the Bench

MacLeod to Miss December 2 Game as Treatment Begins; Assistant Coach Haley Irwin to Serve as Interim Head Coach

OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod announced on November 30, 2025, that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will begin treatment this week. The beloved coach, known for her infectious energy and commanding presence both behind the bench and in press conferences, shared the news with characteristic strength and optimism.

“I want to share some personal news: I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Hearing those words was incredibly difficult, but I want everyone to know that I’m going to be okay,” MacLeod said in a statement released by the team. “I’m incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional medical team guiding me, and together we’ve built a treatment plan that gives me tremendous confidence in the road ahead.”

Treatment Plan Allows Continued Coaching

Despite the diagnosis, MacLeod expressed determination to remain as active as possible with both the Ottawa Charge and the Czechia Women’s National Team, which she also coaches.

“I have the best job on the planet. Coaching the Ottawa Charge and the Czechia Women’s National Team is a privilege I cherish deeply. One of my biggest concerns, outside of my own health, was the possibility of not being able to fully support the two programs that mean so much to me,” MacLeod said. “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.”

The news brings relief to MacLeod and both organizations, as she will be able to continue pursuing her passion while undergoing treatment. Her medical team has structured a treatment plan that allows her to maintain her coaching responsibilities with minimal disruption.

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Missing First Game as Treatment Begins

MacLeod will miss the Charge’s next game on Tuesday, December 2, as she begins the treatment phase of her cancer battle.

“That said, as I begin the treatment phase this week, I will unfortunately have to miss our next game on Tuesday, December 2. The FOMO will be real, but I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by world-class players, coaches, and staff who will keep pushing our group forward,” MacLeod said. “Being with this team fuels me, and I intend to stay as connected as I can during treatment.”

Assistant Coach Haley Irwin will serve as Head Coach in MacLeod’s absence on Tuesday. Irwin, a former Canadian national team player and experienced coach, is well-equipped to guide the team during this period.

Organization Rallies Behind MacLeod

Charge General Manager Mike Hirshfeld expressed full support for MacLeod and confidence in her ability to overcome this challenge.

“The Charge and League are here to support Carla throughout her treatment. 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,” Hirshfeld said. “She has built an incredible coaching staff, including Assistant Coach Haley Irwin, who will serve as Head Coach on Tuesday while Carla begins treatment.”

A Friend, A Leader, A Warrior

Carla MacLeod is more than just a coach—she is a friend to many in the hockey community and a beacon of positivity. Those who have had the privilege of working with her know her as someone who always lit up the room and shone in press conferences with her genuine warmth and quick wit.

We support her fully through this battle. She is an amazing human being, and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this challenging time.

MacLeod’s presence behind the bench has been transformative for the Ottawa Charge, and her impact extends far beyond X’s and O’s. Her ability to connect with players, staff, and media alike has made her one of the most respected figures in women’s hockey.

Hoping she will be back behind the bench soon, we will miss the awkward silence game we started back in year one and the laugh we would have after it. Those moments of levity and connection exemplify the kind of coach and person she is—someone who builds relationships, creates joy, and brings out the best in everyone around her.

She is a warrior, and if anyone can face this challenge with grace, determination, and an unwavering spirit, it’s Carla MacLeod.

MacLeod’s Coaching Career

MacLeod has established herself as one of the premier coaches in women’s hockey. As head coach of the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), she has built a competitive program focused on player development and team culture.

In addition to her PWHL duties, MacLeod serves as head coach of the Czechia Women’s National Team, a role she will continue through the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in February 2026. Her dual coaching responsibilities demonstrate her exceptional ability to manage high-level programs while maintaining excellence in both.

Before her coaching career, MacLeod was an accomplished player, representing Canada on the international stage and earning multiple accolades throughout her playing career.

Community Support Expected

MacLeod acknowledged the Ottawa community’s unwavering support in her statement.

“Thank you in advance for the support and kindness I know our incredible Ottawa community always shows. It means a lot to me,” MacLeod said.

The Ottawa Charge organization, PWHL, and broader hockey community are expected to rally around MacLeod during her treatment. Her positive attitude and determination to remain active with her teams have inspired those around her.

Looking Ahead

While MacLeod will miss Tuesday’s game, her medical team’s assurance that treatment will have minimal impact on her coaching duties provides hope that she will be back behind the bench regularly throughout the season.

Her goal remains clear: to coach the Ottawa Charge through their inaugural PWHL season and lead Czechia at the Olympic Winter Games in February. With her characteristic determination and the support of world-class medical care, MacLeod is positioned to achieve both objectives while prioritizing her health.

The hockey world stands with Carla MacLeod. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to players, coaches, and fans alike. As she begins treatment this week, the entire community sends thoughts, prayers, and support to her and her family.

We look forward to seeing her back behind the bench soon, bringing her infectious energy, brilliant hockey mind, and that signature smile that lights up every room she enters.

The Ottawa Charge and the entire PWHL community stand behind Carla MacLeod. Her courage, strength, and determination inspire us all. We support her fully and look forward to her return behind the bench.