MacLeod excited for next coaching challenge

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Carla MacLeod wasn’t looking for another coaching job. She had just joined the University of Calgary the previous year as head coach of the women’s hockey team.

But when an opportunity arose to lead Czechia’s national women’s team, MacLeod couldn’t turn down a chance to further her passion.

“I'm a natural coach,” she told TSN. “I love having a front-row seat to helping somebody achieve their goal. I love playing a small part in helping a group understand the power and the dynamic of a group to achieving a collective goal.”

Last week, the former blueliner for Canada’s national team was named as the new head coach of the Czechia women’s team and will lead the squad in this summer’s 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Denmark.

MacLeod, who retired in 2010, returns to the international game after being part of the coaching staff for the Japanese women’s team from 2012 to 2014. As a player for Canada, the Calgary native won Olympic gold in 2006 and 2010 and competed at four world championships, taking home gold in 2007 and MVP honours in 2009.

“There's always a draw to the international game,” she said. “I think just because so much of my life as an athlete was connected to that, and I know what it can be, and I know what the experience can be… This one, the timing just felt right. And maybe, more importantly, the fit felt right.”

MacLeod, 39, takes over behind the Czech bench for Tomas Pacina, who stepped down unexpectedly after the Beijing Olympics due to health reasons. Tereza Sadilová, manager of the Czech women’s team, had to quickly begin the search for a new head coach with the world championship months away.

“I told the staff this week – if it feels like family, we’re doing it right. And Carla