The Ottawa Charge finished the regular season as the hottest team in the Professional Women's Hockey League, winning their final four games to secure a playoff berth. Now, as they prepare to face the Boston Fleet in the first round, a key intangible looms large: the return of head coach Carla MacLeod.
MacLeod Factor Returns
MacLeod stepped away from the team on April 6 to focus on treatment for breast cancer. Her return to the bench for the regular-season finale against Toronto, a 3-0 victory, energized the team. Goalie Gwyneth Philips called it "motivational" and "inspirational" to have her back. MacLeod will be behind the bench for the series opener in Lowell, Mass., on Thursday.
Charge's Resilient Run
Ottawa needed only a regulation-time tie to clinch the final playoff spot but instead shut out the desperate Toronto Sceptres. The Charge allowed just two goals over their four-game winning streak. Captain Brianne Jenner expressed excitement: "It's really great to have her back. We're looking forward to this opportunity."
Head-to-Head with Boston
Despite finishing 18 points behind the Fleet, Ottawa won three of four meetings this season, all beyond regulation—two in shootouts and one in overtime. The Charge's late-season surge and MacLeod's return could prove decisive in the best-of-five series.
MacLeod drew parallels between her personal battle and the team's struggle: "Our group shows resiliency. They kept competing, and that's all you can ask for." The Charge will lean on that spirit as they chase the Walter Cup.
