By Kristi Patton /
Like most kids growing up in Alberta, Carla MacLeod spent her days playing street hockey, basement hockey or whatever kind of hockey she could dream up.
“That is where it all started for me,” she says. “I always had to pretend to be Wayne Gretzky. It is probably the closest I was to imitating him while playing.
“I initially wanted to make the NHL but, at the age of 14, I stopped growing so those dreams were out the window,” she says with a laugh. “A lot of the girls moved on to play ringette but I wanted to play hockey. Twenty years later, I am still playing.”
MacLeod is one of 21 players who have been invited to the Team Canada camp in Calgary (Jan. 20-27) as they are being considered for the IIHF World Women’s Championships to be held in China this April.
“It is an exciting time for our staff and potential players,” says Peter Smith, head coach of the National Women’s Team. “We are moving closer and closer to the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championship but there is still a lot of work to be done before we announce that roster. The evaluation camp in Calgary is an important stage in the overall process.”
Standing at 5-4, MacLeod is one of the smaller Canadian players but has made a name for herself as a steady defender. Her resume includes long-time service with the Calgary Oval X-Treme and a plethora of medals including a gold at the Torino Olympics.
Cut twice from Team Canada in 2003 and 2004, MacLeod used it to her advantage as fuel to help her become a better hockey player.
“Absolutely, I did. I think in the end it made me a better hockey player and made me learn more about myself. It was tough but I was cut because I wasn’t physically strong enough and as a player, I needed to improve in those areas,” says MacLeod.
The defender did just that. Focusing on getting stronger helped her improve her shot and skating while also playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
“I think the four years there was incredible not only for my hockey development but personal development.”
Getting the chance to pair up with players like Judy Diduck, former Olympian, on the blueline also had its impact on MacLeod.
“She was a tremendous hockey player and teacher of the game who took me under her wing to show me the tricks of the trade at a young age,” says MacLeod.
Once seen as the youth movement for the Women’s National Team, MacLeod has a whole new group under her coming up.
“There are a good bunch of young players like Meghan Agosta whose natural talent is unbelievable and who will, for years to come, be an impact player. Rebecca Johnston was an alternate on (last) year’s World’s team is a young girl with incredible talent. I think Canada is in a great position.”
A position MacLeod is likely to help keep a firm grip on. |