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Charge coach Carla MacLeod resumes cancer treatment

By Thomson Reuters Apr 6, 2026 | 12:40 PM

By Field Level Media

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