Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod is confronting a breast cancer diagnosis with the same resilience and positivity she brings to the rink, while using her platform to challenge common misconceptions about the disease. The 43-year-old revealed her diagnosis to her team and the public this week, emphasizing that cancer does not discriminate by age or family history.
A Personal Challenge and a Public Message
MacLeod shared the news with her players on Monday, December 1, 2025, before a public announcement. She plans to meet with doctors in Calgary, causing her to miss the Charge's home game against the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday. However, she intends to rejoin the team to coach their game against the Toronto Sceptres on Thursday, demonstrating her commitment to her dual roles with the Charge and the Czechia national women's team.
In speaking out, MacLeod aims to shift the narrative. "The narrative around breast cancer is twofold," MacLeod said. "One, it has to be within the family. I have no family history. And two, you have to be over 50. I'm 43. So I think starting to get the message out that it doesn't know your age or your family history, it could hit any of us."
Team Rallies Around Their Leader
The diagnosis has deeply affected the Ottawa Charge players, who have vowed to support their coach. Star forward Emily Clark, who has known MacLeod for 14 years, was emotional discussing the news. "Of course it hit us hard," Clark admitted. "But she's been so brave and courageous, you wouldn't know because she shows up with the same energy, positivity, and charisma every day."
Clark, who lost an aunt to breast cancer, has a personal connection to the cause. Last March, she launched "Ottawa Wheat 26," a craft beer that supports The Breast Health Centre at The Ottawa Hospital. "You don't think it's going to hit that close to home," said the 30-year-old, fighting back tears. "It's an important conversation to have. It has hit the women's hockey world a few times now... everyone knows someone and loves someone who's been affected by it." Clark was referring to breast cancer survivor and former Toronto Sceptres goalie Erica Howe.
Moving Forward with Determination
While the full details of her treatment plan are still being finalized, MacLeod's primary goal is to minimize the impact on her coaching duties. Her team has pledged to stand by her throughout the process. "Obviously, we have her back," Clark stated firmly, "and we'll be with her every step of the way."
MacLeod's public stance and unwavering optimism in the face of her diagnosis serve as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of breast cancer and the strength found in community support, both on and off the ice.
