The Ottawa Charge announced Monday that head coach Carla MacLeod will be taking a leave of absence to focus on her ongoing battle with breast cancer.
The 43-year-old coach first revealed her breast cancer diagnosis back in November. Team officials have not specified how long MacLeod will be away from her coaching duties.
“She remains in good spirits and is focused on her health and recovery,” the team said. “The entire organization fully supports Carla and her family and asks that her privacy is respected.”
Assistant coach Haley Irwin will step up to serve as the team’s interim head coach. This isn’t Irwin’s first time in this role – she previously filled in during a December 2nd game when MacLeod first began her medical treatment.
Ottawa currently sits in fifth position in the PWHL standings after 25 games, trailing the fourth-place Toronto Sceptres by just one point. The team’s next matchup is scheduled for Wednesday evening when they host the Seattle Torrent.
MacLeod has been leading the Ottawa franchise since the professional women’s hockey league launched its first season in 2024.
As a player, MacLeod achieved remarkable success representing Canada on the international stage. The Alberta native earned Olympic gold medals in both 2006 and 2010, and captured a world championship title in 2007. She also collected three world championship silver medals in 2005, 2008, and 2009 during her distinguished playing career as a defender.
