Kayla Vespa Bio
Kayla Vespa (born April 1, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward. She currently plays for the New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), the top professional women’s hockey league in North America. Vespa has also played in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and represented St. Lawrence University in college ice hockey.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Vespa began skating and playing hockey at the age of five, often competing on boys’ teams as a young player. Her journey from minor hockey in Stoney Creek to a professional career in the PWHL has been marked by persistence, versatility, and a willingness to balance multiple commitments along the way.
Early Life and Background
Kayla Vespa was born on April 1, 1997, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in the Hamilton area and developed a love for hockey at a young age, first stepping onto the ice when she was five years old. Because girls’ hockey programs were limited in her community, she frequently played on boys’ teams during her formative years, an experience that helped sharpen her competitive edge.
She attended St. Jean de Brébeuf high school in Hamilton, where she played both soccer and ran track in addition to her hockey training. Standing at 5 ft 2 in (157 cm), Vespa has long been known for her speed and quickness on the ice. She wore jersey number 10 throughout her youth, a number she has continued to wear throughout her hockey career.
Vespa came up through the Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres program, where her play quickly attracted the attention of college recruiters. Her early dedication to the sport laid the foundation for what would become a successful transition into higher-level competition.
Path to Professional Hockey
Vespa’s path to professional hockey began in earnest when a St. Lawrence University coach scouted her playing for the Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres at the age of 17. Impressed by her skill and hockey sense, the coach offered her a full scholarship on the spot to join the St. Lawrence Saints women’s ice hockey program.
From 2016 to 2020, Vespa played college ice hockey for St. Lawrence University, appearing in 135 games over four seasons. Off the ice, she distinguished herself academically, graduating with honors in biochemistry. Her ability to combine high-level athletics with rigorous study foreshadowed the disciplined approach she would later bring to her professional career.
After completing her college career, Vespa entered the professional ranks in 2020, joining the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). She participated in multiple PWHPA showcases during this period, at times commuting long distances to be able to play with a team based in Toronto.
Kayla Vespa Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Kayla Vespa began her professional career in 2020 with the PWHPA, an organization formed to advocate for a sustainable professional women’s hockey league. During her time with the PWHPA, she participated in several showcase events, working to keep her game sharp and her visibility high while the women’s hockey landscape continued to evolve.
Even as she pursued her hockey career, Vespa worked full-time for the City of Hamilton as a member of the parks and roads department, driving a snowplow on the night shift. Her ability to balance demanding physical labor with high-level athletic training demonstrated the work ethic that has defined her career.
PWHL Breakthrough (2023–2024)
When the PWHPA boycott ended and the Professional Women’s Hockey League was launched, Vespa was selected by New York 76th overall in the thirteenth round of the inaugural PWHL draft. She signed a one-year contract with the team and quickly made her mark on the new league.
Vespa scored a goal in the very first PWHL game, a 4–0 victory over Toronto, an early milestone that announced her arrival on the professional stage. Her speed and relentless work rate made her a valuable contributor during the PWHL’s historic first season.
New York Sirens Era (2024–Present)
For the 2024–25 season, the New York Sirens signed Vespa to a reserve player contract, keeping her within the organization. On June 20, 2025, she signed a one-year standard player contract with the Sirens, solidifying her place on the team’s main roster.
Throughout her time in New York, Vespa has been recognized for her energy, two-way play, and ability to contribute in a variety of roles. Her familiarity with the franchise and the PWHL’s playing style has allowed her to remain a steady presence on the Sirens’ forward group.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kayla Vespa is known for her speed, compete level, and versatility as a forward. Despite her smaller stature at 5 ft 2 in, she plays a physical, relentless brand of hockey and is comfortable contributing on both the power play and the penalty kill. Her experience playing on boys’ teams early in her career helped develop a toughness and adaptability that continues to serve her at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Vespa’s career came when she scored in the first-ever PWHL game against Toronto, helping New York to a 4–0 victory. Being drafted 76th overall in the inaugural PWHL draft and later signing a standard player contract with the Sirens in 2025 further underscore her steady rise within the league.
Kayla Vespa Career Highlights
Kayla Vespa’s professional career has spanned the PWHPA and the PWHL, where she has built a reputation as a hard-working, dependable forward. From her early days commuting to PWHPA showcases to her current role with the New York Sirens, she has remained committed to growing the game of women’s hockey.
PWHL Highlights
Vespa made an immediate impact in the PWHL by scoring in the league’s first-ever game. Drafted 76th overall in the inaugural PWHL draft, she has since signed a standard player contract with the New York Sirens, cementing her status as a full-time professional in the league.
Other Performances
Before turning professional, Vespa appeared in 135 games for St. Lawrence University from 2016 to 2020. She has also remained active in the growth of youth hockey, coaching the U13A girls’ team with the Stoney Creek Sabres Girls Hockey Association.
Kayla Vespa Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Kayla Vespa was raised in Hamilton, Ontario, and developed her love of hockey within a community that supported her participation on boys’ teams from an early age. She has continued to give back to that community by coaching young players in the Stoney Creek Sabres Girls Hockey Association.
Personal Life
Vespa has been known to balance her hockey career with full-time work for the City of Hamilton in the parks and roads department, where she has driven a snowplow on the night shift. She graduated with honors in biochemistry from St. Lawrence University, reflecting her commitment to academics alongside athletics.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Kayla Vespa after she signed a one-year standard player contract with the New York Sirens on June 20, 2025. Coming off a reserve player deal the previous year, she now has a full-time opportunity to contribute to the Sirens’ forward group throughout the PWHL campaign.
Vespa’s experience and familiarity with the Sirens’ system position her as a reliable depth forward capable of providing energy in all situations. Her track record of producing in big moments, including her goal in the first-ever PWHL game, gives the Sirens another trusted option up front.
Looking ahead, Vespa’s combination of speed, work ethic, and professional maturity suggests she will continue to play a meaningful role for New York. Her ongoing involvement with youth hockey in Stoney Creek also keeps her closely connected to the next generation of Canadian players.
