Cancer Survivor Coaches Czech Hockey Team to Olympic Glory

Carla MacLeod, a decorated former player for Canada's Olympic ice hockey team, is now leading the Czech Republic as their coach at the Milano Cortina Games. Her presence at the Games follows a recent breast cancer diagnosis announced in November, which led to the commencement of treatment. Despite the personal health challenges, MacLeod has continued in her coaching roles, including with the PWHL team Ottawa Charge.

MacLeod expressed profound gratitude for being able to participate, noting there were times she doubted her ability to reach this point. She attributes her positive outlook to her lifelong involvement in hockey and the realization of the fortunate career she has had, both as a player and now as a coach. The diagnosis has provided a stark reminder of life's priorities.

While acknowledging the immense difficulty and emotional toll, including "lots of tears and lots of uncertainty," MacLeod emphasized the crucial support system surrounding her. She highlighted the "pure love" from her family, friends, and the broader hockey world as instrumental in her resilience. MacLeod is set to face her home country, Canada, in the preliminary rounds.