Kaitlin Willoughby Bio
Kaitlin Willoughby (born March 26, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Montreal Victoire of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She began her career in high school playing for the Prince Albert Bears and later attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she excelled by scoring 111 points in 132 games. Willoughby was drafted 37th overall by the Calgary Inferno in the 2018 CWHL Draft and contributed to the team winning the Clarkson Cup during her rookie season. She later joined the PWHPA and has continued her professional career with the Montreal Victoire.
Early Life and Background
Kaitlin Willoughby was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, she developed a passion for the sport at a young age. Willoughby attended high school at Prince Albert Bears, where she not only played hockey but also served as the team captain, showcasing her leadership skills early on. After completing her high school education, she moved to Saskatoon to pursue further studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
Path to Hockey
During her time at the University of Saskatchewan, Kaitlin Willoughby made a significant impact on the university’s hockey program. Over her collegiate career, she played in 132 USports games, scoring an impressive 111 points. In her rookie season, she demonstrated her talent by scoring 25 points in 28 games, earning the title of USports Rookie of the Year and a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie Team. Willoughby led her team in scoring for three out of four seasons, further establishing herself as a key player in the program.
Kaitlin Willoughby Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Kaitlin Willoughby began her professional career in 2013, playing for the Prince Albert Bears. Her transition to the professional arena came in 2018 when she was drafted 37th overall by the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL Draft. In her rookie season with the Inferno, she scored 6 points in 27 games, contributing to the team’s victory in the Clarkson Cup. This early success marked a promising start to her professional career.
Breakthrough (2019–Present)
After the collapse of the CWHL in May 2019, Kaitlin Willoughby joined the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). She participated in various showcases, earning accolades such as Goal of the Game at the Unifor Women’s Hockey Showcase in September 2019. Willoughby continued to develop her skills and remained active in the PWHPA until the formation of the PWHL. In 2023, she declared for the PWHL draft but went unselected. However, she signed with the Toronto Sceptres prior to the 2023–24 season and re-signed for the 2024–25 season. On March 13, 2025, she was traded to the Montreal Victoire, where she finished the season with one assist in seven games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kaitlin Willoughby’s signature work includes her contributions to the Calgary Inferno, where she helped the team win the Clarkson Cup. Her collegiate achievements, including being named USports Rookie of the Year and leading her team in scoring, are also notable milestones in her career.
Kaitlin Willoughby Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Kaitlin Willoughby has received recognition for her performance on the ice, including being named to the Canada West All-Star Team multiple times during her collegiate career.
Kaitlin Willoughby Awards Won
Kaitlin Willoughby has won the USports Rookie of the Year award and contributed to her team’s victory in the Clarkson Cup during her rookie season with the Calgary Inferno.
Kaitlin Willoughby Family
Kaitlin Willoughby has a sister named Morgan Willoughby, who also played hockey at the University of Saskatchewan.
Personal Life
Kaitlin Willoughby holds a degree in nursing, showcasing her commitment to education alongside her athletic career.