Charge coach Carla MacLeod resumes cancer treatment

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th April, 13:37 2026

Pink ribbons with names of breast cancer survivors and those lost to the disease alike are seen during Paint El Paseo Pink in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod is stepping away from the team to continue her cancer treatment, the PWHL team announced Monday.

MacLeod, 43, shared her breast cancer diagnosis in November. The length of her absence is undetermined.

"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 takes over as interim coach, a role she previously held for a Dec. 2 game after MacLeod started her treatment.

The Charge are currently in fifth place in the PWHL standings through 25 games, one point behind the fourth-place Toronto Sceptres. Ottawa's next game is Wednesday night against the visiting Seattle Torrent.

MacLeod has coached Ottawa since the league's inaugural season in 2024.

MacLeod played for two gold medal-winning Canada squads at the Olympics in 2006 and 2010. The Alberta-born defender also won gold at the 2007 world championships to go with three silvers (2005, 2008 and 2009).

--Field Level Media

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