Potential stepping stone to fulfilling Olympic dream for former X-Women forward

By Corey LeBlanc

The hockey journey for a talented former STFX X-Women forward will come full circle later this summer.

Lea MacLeod will launch her professional career in Germany, where the 23-year-old first laced up a pair of blades.

"My mother (Anita) took us to free skates," she says, while remembering her start in the beloved sport.

MacLeod, who was born in the western European country, adds, "It was natural – my brother (Gregor) and I fell in love with it."

The family lived abroad while their patriarch – Jeff – played professionally.

When MacLeod was five, after her father suffered a career-ending injury, the family returned to Canada and settled in Dartmouth.

Although they left much behind, the family brought their passion for hockey across the Atlantic Ocean; the siblings beginning their ascent in the sport on Canadian soil.

As for what attracted her to hockey, MacLeod talked about how it meshed well with her "super-competitive" nature.

"I have been like that since I was little – my Mom tells stories," she offers, with a laugh, of her drive.

MacLeod also embraced the team-oriented aspect of hockey, noting she has made "so many friends" because of her experiences.

"That has always made me enjoy it even more," she adds.

After playing primarily on boys' teams – at least until bantam – MacLeod spent her high school years in the Annapolis Valley, where she skated with the Windsor-based King's-Edgehill prep program.

'X' marks the spot

"I decided that I wanted to be near home," she recalls of the university recruiting process, which included offers from both Canada and the United States.

Due greatly to her deep family connection with the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) school, MacLeod explains that Acadia topped the list of potential suitors. At the time, it was her parents' alma mater – and later her brother's – and where Jeff and Gregor played varsity hockey. Jeff was a member of the national champion Axemen in 1993.

"They loved their experience," she says.

But – and it was a big but – Acadia does not have a varsity women's hockey program.

Noting the similarities between the two universities – both academically and athletically – MacLeod turned her attention from Acadia to STFX.

"I just knew," she remembers of how traditional campus visit to Antigonish cemented her decision to don the White and Blue.

After four AUS campaigns, along with a pair of trips to the U SPORTS championship tournament, MacLeod offers, "I wouldn't have it any other way," of her "great choice" to attend STFX.

She adds, "I made so many friends," while noting how close student-athletes are in the tight-knit athletic department at her now alma mater.

As for on-ice highlights, MacLeod fondly remembers the X-Women's run to a conference banner in her sophomore season, even though the year ended in heartbreak. Only moments after the White and Blue skated to a dramatic overtime victory in quarterfinal action at nationals in Charlottetown in 2020, the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the tournament.

"It was heartbreaking," she offers of the lost opportunity at a U SPORTS crown.

In March, the X-Women returned to the national tournament stage, but were unable to make the medal podium.

"We had a few unlucky bounces, so we didn't get the results that we were looking for," MacLeod says.

In her final season in White and Blue, MacLeod finished fourth in the AUS regular season with 32 points, including 12 goals and 20 assists, while adding six points in the conference playoffs. She earned a first-team all-star nod.

"Lea is an elite-level player," X-Women head coach Ben Berthiaume says, noting her "tremendous vision" on the ice and ability to set up her teammates.

He points out MacLeod has not only improved steadily as a player, but also became a "great leader."

Berthiaume adds, "Lea is going to do great things in Germany." 

Olympic dream

As for how she ended up with the chance for a homecoming, of sorts, MacLeod says her soon-to-be head coach – Christian Sohlmann of ERC Ingolstadt – contacted her in March regarding the possibility of skating in the eight-team German Women's Ice Hockey League.

"I am super excited," she adds of her decision to join the organization, noting that she also garnered interest from the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF).

Along with gaining invaluable professional experience, MacLeod notes signing with ERC Ingolstadt is a key piece to the puzzle, when it comes to fulfilling her Olympic dream.

"That's the goal," she offers of representing Germany on the highest international stage.

In order to do that, MacLeod must play at least one professional season in her native country.

"I am working on getting my citizenship," she explains, noting that would provide the pathway to trying out for the national team.

As for what she will bring to the table for her new squad –– MacLeod describes herself as a "playmaker."

"I have a pass-first mentality," she says – adding the importance of her "vision on the ice," much as Berthiaume describes.

MacLeod adds, "I love setting up my teammates for goals."

In the lead-up to her first pro season, she says she will be working on her skating and speed.

"I want to become more of a dual threat," MacLeod offers of focusing on developing more of a "shooter's mentality."

Along with taking the ice, players in her new league are furnished with career opportunities outside the rink.

"It is going to be cool," MacLeod offers, noting she is looking forward to using the Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schwartz School of Business that she received at the most recent spring convocation at STFX.

As for her long-term career plans, off the ice, she says, "I always want to work in sports – it inspires me."

When she arrives in Germany in late August, there will be some familiar faces waiting for her; Jeff coaches there, while Gregor plays professionally.

And, there will be a familiar face by her side; close friend and X-Women teammate – Antigonish native Josie Chisholm – has also signed with ERC Ingolstadt.

"I am super excited. We started and finished together at X, so it feels right that we would be taking the next step together as well," MacLeod says.

"We are going to have a blast."

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter in her hockey story, MacLeod remembers everyone who has helped her reach her professional aspiration, including – of course – her family and friends; not to mention her coaches, teammates and whole X-Women program.

"I am super thankful to everyone who has helped and supported me."

-30-