MacLeod Embracing Present And Bright Future With Czechia

A year after signing a three-year contract extension that will see her remain at the helm of the Czech National Team through the 2026 Olympics, Head Coach Carla MacLeod reflects on the emergence of Czech players abroad, the value of international competitions like the WEHT, and how her team embraces the opportunity to host the 2025 IIHF World Championships. MacLeod is also the head coach of the PWHL's Ottawa Charge.

Here is Laura Rollins' conversation with MacLeod.

Rollins: Two PWHL drafts have now been completed. In total, 22 non-North American players have been drafted. Of those, 8 players (36%) are Czech. Athletes like Kristýna Kaltounková, Natálie Mlýnková and Klára Hymlárová (drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Frost) have made waves in the NCAA. After strong showings in Sweden’s SDHL, Daniela Pejšová was selected seventh overall by Boston, and Noemi Neubauerová was picked 30th overall by the Toronto Sceptres. Why are Czech players so appealing to North American teams? Is there a specific attribute or set of skills that distinguishes Czech players or makes them especially suited to North American hockey?

MacLeod:The simple answer is Czech players are very good hockey players and teammates. The game is the game, there are subtle nuisances to the style played given the different regions of the world, but ultimately hockey is hockey. Our National Team players from Czech are incredibly motivated, willing to learn and enjoy working hard. They have an innate ability with the puck that lends itself to any team and thus just some of the reasons why so many of them are impacting leagues around the world.

Rollins: Czechia recently won the very first tournament of the Women's Euro Hockey Tour. What impact do you think the WEHT will have on women's hockey, especially for the European teams and Czechia specifically?

MacLeod: The WEHT is incredibly important for us and our development and preparation for the World Championship and Olympic Games. Having these events continues to grow the game across Europe. Our games are broadcast on TV in Czechia, which only provides more exposure for us and women's hockey. Czechia LOVES their hockey, look at the celebration after the men won gold in Prague this past spring, to have our game shared with the Nation is incredible. As European teams we are also working hard to close the game with North America, these weeks allow us to play really competitive games, ultimately elevating everyone's level.

Rollins: The 2025 Women's Worlds will be held in Czechia. Hosting the World Championships can often be a double-edged sword; players get to shine in front of their families, friends and fans, but often also feel an increased pressure to perform. How do you and your staff help your team to prepare for the scrutiny that comes with playing the Worlds at home?

MacLeod: The opportunity to host this upcoming Worlds is an amazing one. There is no doubt it comes with more excitement and more external engagement but what a thrill. To be a world-class athlete, embracing these opportunities, learning through these moments is simply part of the job. We will openly talk about using the energy of family, friends and the country to our advantage while recognizing we need to stay true to who we are to achieve our goals. The home crowd is a privilege, not a pressure.

Rollins: Since the beginning of your tenure with Czechia, the team has shown a marked improvement in puck possession. What are the challenges of coaching a national team populated by players who play in so many different leagues? The style of play and demands of each of the leagues is quite different. How do you get your national team players pulling in the same direction and playing Team Czechia hockey?

MacLeod: We don't see our players playing in different leagues as a challenge, in fact, it is a strength. I think our players are well versed in several different styles of play because of their experiences and that is reflected in our team game. We try to take a principle approach to our style that allows them to execute it in any system they might be playing with their club team. Every coach wants players to compete hard, to make contact, to block shots. With this emphasis from our staff our players do a great job throughout the season working on these small but effective details. The other side of it is our players are all in when they come to our team. They are students of the game and are willing to try different things to help us succeed. At the end of the day the players are the reason for our continued growth over the past few years.

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