The Ottawa Charge are carrying a little extra weight on their shoulders this season — and they wouldn't have it any other way.
The PWHL Ottawa squad has found renewed purpose after assistant coach Carla MacLeod stepped away from the team to focus on her health following a breast cancer diagnosis. Rather than letting the news derail their season, the Charge have done what MacLeod would expect of them: they've locked in and kept their eyes on the playoffs.
A Coach Who Leads by Example
MacLeod, a two-time Olympic gold medallist with Team Canada and one of the most respected figures in women's hockey, has spent her post-playing career passing that same relentless competitive spirit onto the next generation. For the Charge players she's coached and mentored, stepping up in her absence isn't just a hockey obligation — it's personal.
Her diagnosis has added a layer of emotional depth to what was already a competitive playoff race. Teammates and staff have spoken about wanting to do something meaningful, something MacLeod could be proud of from afar.
Turning Grief Into Drive
In professional sports, adversity often becomes a rallying point. For the Ottawa Charge, that's exactly what's happening. The team has remained tight-lipped about the full scope of their emotional response, but the message is clear: the best tribute they can offer is to keep competing hard and chase a playoff berth.
It's the kind of response MacLeod herself would demand. Known for her toughness, her work ethic, and her no-excuses mentality, she has never been the type to want pity or distraction. If anything, her absence seems to be sharpening the team's focus rather than fracturing it.
What's at Stake
The Charge are firmly in the mix as the PWHL regular season heads toward its final stretch. A playoff appearance would be a significant milestone for the Ottawa franchise and for the league, which continues to grow its fanbase across Canada. Landing a postseason spot would give the team — and MacLeod — something to celebrate.
For Ottawa hockey fans who have embraced the Charge since the PWHL's inaugural season, this storyline adds another reason to get behind the team. Women's hockey in Ottawa has been building real momentum, and moments like this — where sport intersects with something deeply human — are exactly what deepen a fan community's connection to a team.
The City Behind the Charge
Ottawa has always had a proud hockey identity, and the Charge have been adding their own chapter to that story. With MacLeod in their hearts and a playoff push in front of them, the team is carrying the city's support and her fighting spirit into every game that remains.
Carla MacLeod may be stepping back from the bench for now, but her presence is clearly still felt in every shift the Ottawa Charge take.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. Read the original story.
