Revealed!! Surprising facts people probably didn’t know about Carla MacLeod, the head coach of the Ottawa Charge

Carla MacLeod, the head coach of the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), has a multifaceted career filled with intriguing and lesser-known aspects:

1. Early Life and Introduction to Hockey: Born on June 16, 1982, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, MacLeod’s passion for hockey ignited in a neighborhood where road hockey and outdoor rinks were central to community life. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future in the sport.

2. Collegiate Career and Leadership: At the University of Wisconsin, MacLeod was a standout defenseman from 2001 to 2005. She served as a two-year captain, leading the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 2005. Her exceptional performance earned her two-time All-American honors and the USCHO Defensive Player of the Year award in her senior year. In 2020, she was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.

3. International Playing Achievements: MacLeod’s international career is highlighted by two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2006 and 2010. She also competed in four IIHF Women’s World Championships, securing a gold medal in 2007 and earning MVP honors in 2009.

4. Coaching Ventures Across Continents: Transitioning to coaching after her playing career, MacLeod has made significant contributions globally:

• Japan: As an assistant coach, she helped the Japanese national team win the 2013 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I, Group A, leading to their qualification for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
• Czechia: Appointed head coach of the Czech national women’s team, she led them to historic bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, marking their first-ever podium finishes.

TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 1: Head coach Carla MacLeod of the Ottawa Charge looks on from behind the bench during the second period against the Toronto Sceptres at Coca-Cola Coliseum on February 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/Getty Images)

5. Academic and Coaching Excellence: MacLeod holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin (2006) and is an NCCP High Performance 1-certified coach. Her coaching career includes leading the U18 Female Prep Team at Calgary’s Edge School, where her teams excelled both academically and athletically, achieving a team academic average of 89%.

6. Personal Tidbits: Beyond the rink, MacLeod has a rich personal background:

• Musical Talent: She played the ukulele in Grade 8.
• Family Connection: Through her paternal grandmother, she is related to the legendary Montreal Canadiens star, Maurice “Rocket” Richard.

Carla MacLeod’s journey reflects a blend of athletic prowess, leadership, and a commitment to fostering hockey talent worldwide.