Ottawa Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the organization announced on Sunday. MacLeod shared the news in a personal statement, emphasizing both the difficulty of hearing the diagnosis and her confidence in the treatment plan ahead.

“Hearing those words was incredibly difficult,” she said. “But I want everyone to know that I’m going to be okay.”

MacLeod said her medical team has assured her that treatment should have “minimal impact” on her ability to coach the Charge this season, as well as Czechia’s women’s national team at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. She will, however, miss Ottawa’s next game on December 2 as she begins treatment this week. Assistant coach Haley Irwin will serve as head coach in her absence.

One of MacLeod’s biggest concerns, she said, was whether her diagnosis would limit her ability to support the two programs that mean so much to her. “I have the best job on the planet,” she added. “Being with this team fuels me, and I intend to stay as connected as I can during treatment.”

General manager Mike Hirshfeld said the organization and league will support her every step of the way. “Her strength, resilience, and optimism shine through in the most challenging of circumstances,” he said.

On behalf of everyone at The Ice Garden, we wish Carla MacLeod strength and all the best as she begins her treatment.