Opinion: Carla McLeod Is The Perfect Coach For The Ottawa Charge

As the Ottawa Charge gear up for their second season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), there’s one thing they’ve nailed from the start: hiring Carla McLeod as head coach. With an Olympic pedigree, international coaching experience, and a proven track record of developing talent, McLeod isn’t just a good fit—she’s exactly what the Charge needs to build on their inaugural season. Here’s why she’s the perfect person to lead Ottawa into Year Two of the PWHL.

A Champion’s Mindset

Carla McLeod knows how to win. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada (2006, 2010), she’s competed at the highest levels of women’s hockey and come out on top. That kind of winning experience is priceless, especially for a franchise like the Charge that’s still carving out its identity.
The PWHL is only in its second season, so building a winning culture is critical. McLeod’s experience with Team Canada gives her deep insight into what it takes to compete consistently at a championship level. She can pass that championship mindset on to her players, helping Ottawa establish itself as a team that can contend for titles.

Proven Coaching Experience

McLeod hasn’t just excelled as a player—she’s made a name for herself as a coach too. Most notably, she led the Czechia women’s national team to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship. That was the first time the Czechs had ever medaled, and McLeod was a driving force behind that breakthrough.

She knows how to elevate teams beyond expectations. The Ottawa Charge, still finding their footing after their inaugural season, will benefit from McLeod’s knack for getting the best out of her players. Her ability to foster a team-first mentality and push individuals to excel will be crucial as the Charge aim to make a bigger splash in Year Two of the PWHL.

International Hockey Perspective

One of McLeod’s unique strengths is her diverse background in international hockey. She’s not only played for Team Canada, but she’s also coached internationally, most notably with the Czechia women’s national team. This global experience gives her a fresh perspective on the game and an understanding of different styles of hockey from around the world.

In a league like the PWHL, which features players from various hockey backgrounds, this global perspective is invaluable. McLeod knows how to integrate different tactics and styles into a cohesive team identity. That adaptability will be crucial for Ottawa as they continue to mold their style and chemistry in the league.

A Leader by Example

In addition to her technical expertise, McLeod is known for her calm, steady leadership. Whether it was leading on the ice as a player or developing her coaching career, she’s consistently been a figure of quiet strength. She’s not a yeller or a coach who thrives on chaos. Instead, she fosters trust, respect, and accountability—exactly the qualities a young team needs to stay focused and motivated.

For Ottawa, this type of leadership is invaluable. McLeod can provide the stability and direction the team needs to navigate the challenges of their second season. Her ability to set realistic goals and create a positive atmosphere will help Ottawa continue to grow without succumbing to the pressures of being a new franchise.

As the Ottawa Charge prepare for their second season, there’s no doubt that they’re in good hands with Carla McLeod. Her championship experience, proven coaching success, and global hockey knowledge make her the perfect leader for this team. In a league that’s still growing and evolving, McLeod is the kind of coach who can guide Ottawa to immediate improvements and help lay the foundation for long-term success.

The Charge are building something special, and with McLeod behind the bench, they’re poised to take a big step forward in Year Two of the PWHL.