Calgary’s Carla MacLeod takes Professional Women’s Hockey League coaching gig

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carla MacLeod is heading to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) to coach the Ottawa franchise.

“It is a privilege to work within a league and franchise that is motivated to achieve incredible heights with the best athletes in our game.”

We are proud to welcome Carla Macleod as our Head Coach!
https://t.co/j3PukuUH5y pic.twitter.com/phENWB3xbR

— PWHL Ottawa (@PWHL_Ottawa) September 15, 2023

“I’m incredibly grateful to be joining the PWHL and I am humbled that Ottawa believes I am the right coach to help build their program,” MacLeod said in. “The potential of this opportunity is incredible, and it is a
privilege to work within a league and franchise that is motivated to achieve incredible heights with the best athletes in our game.”

General manager Mike Hirshfeld said the franchise is “thrilled” to have Macleod as its inaugural coach.

Read more: Alberta goalies signs with PWHL Ottawa, one of first contracts inked in new league

“Her track record of success as a coach at both the University level and the International level is noteworthy,” he explained. “We were impressed by her as a leader and believe she will help us build a strong culture and foundation here in Ottawa. Her communication skills, mental toughness and attention to detail made her the perfect choice for us.”

Olympians Emily Clark, Brianne Jenner and Emerance Maschmeyer have already been named to the Ottawa roster. The team will continue to take form with an upcoming draft.

As a result, she will be moving to Ottawa and will be leaving her post as bench boss of the University of Calgary Dinos women’s hockey program.

Carla MacLeod has been named the head coach of the @thepwhlofficial franchise in Ottawa.

Associate head coach Josh Gosling will serve as the interim head coach for @DinosWHKY for the 2023-24 season.#GoDinoshttps://t.co/IcqjqwkRFW

— UCalgary Dinos (@UCDinos) September 15, 2023

“Carla is an outstanding coach, and it’s no surprise that she is getting this incredible opportunity,” Dinos director of athletics Ben Matchett said.

“Her impact on our program has been substantial in her short time with us. While we are disappointed to see her go, we wish her all the best as she takes this next step in her coaching career. Women’s hockey has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of the PWHL, and Ottawa has a good one in Carla MacLeod.”

MacLeod, a Calgarian, has an impressive coaching resume, including leading Czechia to historic back-to-back bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championships.