Carl MacLeod Pausing Coaching Career Following 2026 Winter Olympics

In a move that blends professional transition with a deeply personal struggle, Carl MacLeod is pausing her coaching career to focus on her health. The former head coach of the Czech women’s national hockey team is stepping away from the bench to undergo treatment for cancer, a diagnosis she first shared in November of last year.

Despite the diagnosis, MacLeod maintained a rigorous professional schedule throughout the winter, fulfilling her obligations both with her club team in Ottawa and leading the Czech national squad through the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Her departure comes as her contract with Czech Hockey has expired, and she will not be seeking a renewal.

For those following the trajectory of women’s hockey, MacLeod’s tenure with the Czech Republic has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking the helm in April 2022, she steered the program to two historic bronze medals at the World Championships, marking a new era of competitiveness for the national team. While the squad finished fourth in the two most recent championships, the foundation she built remains a cornerstone of the program’s growth.

A Final Olympic Push in Milan and Cortina

MacLeod’s final act with the Czech national team took place during the Winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The women’s hockey tournament, hosted at the Milano Rho and Santa Giulia arenas, served as a grueling test of resilience for the Czech squad.

The tournament began on a difficult note for the Czechs, who suffered a clear 5-1 defeat to the United States on February 5. The struggle continued on February 6 against Switzerland, where the Czechs held a lead but eventually succumbed to a 4-3 loss in a shootout.

However, the team found its footing on February 8 in a pivotal clash against Finland. In a disciplined performance, the Czechs secured a 2-0 victory, their first win of the Olympic tournament. The game was decided in the first period, with Tereza Pištěková opening the scoring after less than three minutes, followed by a backhand goal from Natálie Mlýnková in the 18th minute. Goaltender Klára Peslarová remained unbeatable, thwarting Finnish attempts to equalize, including a dangerous early second-period chance by Michelle Karvinen.

Captain Aneta Tejralová noted after the win that the team had learned from their opening losses, entering the Finland game with a level of responsibility and energy that sustained them through the final whistle. Despite this momentum, the Czechs fell 5-1 to a favored Canadian team on February 9 to close out the group stage.

The Olympic journey concluded on February 13 in the quarterfinals. Facing the winners of Group B, Sweden, the Czechs were unable to find the scoresheet, falling 0-2 and ending their bid for a medal. While the result was disappointing, the effort underscored MacLeod’s commitment to her players during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

Legacy of Leadership and Health Battles

MacLeod, a two-time Olympic gold medalist as a player, brought an elite pedigree to the Czech bench. Her approach was not merely tactical but holistic; she frequently emphasized to her players that the Olympics were about more than just sport, reminding them that they were living a dream.

The revelation of her illness in November added a layer of quiet heroism to her recent coaching stints. While battling cancer, she continued to lead the Ottawa club—where she has been since 2023—and the Czech national team. As she now pivots her focus entirely toward recovery, her club, the Charge, has announced that assistant coach Haley Irwin will temporarily assume her duties.

Representatives from the Charge expressed full support for MacLeod, stating that she remains in good spirits but needs to concentrate on her health. The organization and her family have requested privacy during this time.

The Path Forward for Czech Women’s Hockey

The departure of MacLeod leaves a significant void in the Czech program, but the roadmap for the future is already being drawn. The search for a new head coach is expected to conclude by the summer, ensuring the team has leadership in place well before their next major commitment.

The Czech national team is slated to compete in the World Championships this November in Denmark. This tournament will serve as the first major test for the program in the post-MacLeod era, as they seek to return to the podium and build upon the historic bronze medals achieved during her tenure.

As the hockey world rallies behind MacLeod, her impact on the sport—both as a champion player and a pioneering coach—remains evident in the confidence and skill of the Czech players she leaves behind.

The next major milestone for the Czech women’s national team will be the appointment of a new head coach this summer, followed by the World Championships in Denmark in November.

Share your thoughts and well-wishes for Coach MacLeod in the comments below.