Thrill of Victoire

A Canada West champion during her time on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskie women’s hockey team, Kaitlin Willoughby (BSN’19) has captured her first championship as a pro, winning the Walter Cup with the Montreal Victoire of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The Green&White spoke with the USask alumna (and self-described “menace”) on her championship season, her Huskie roots, and her passion for the nursing profession.

G&W: Congratulations on an incredible season! You’re not only a Walter Cup champion, but you’re the first player from Saskatchewan to win a PWHL championship. When you look back on the season and this championship run, what moments stand out?

Willoughby: I think there’s a lot that stands out. Our team had to go through adversity this season, and we had some unique challenges. We didn’t start off the season very well and struggled to find our way early on. Once we got through that rough patch, we started winning games. We also had some big injuries; losing our captain for a stretch was hard. Not having your captain and best player, even on the road, is tough for any team. Then we had the Olympic break, which was difficult for players who stayed back. It’s kind of a pause in the season where you must come back together strong. That felt like a turning point for us.

When our Canadian Olympians returned, even though they didn’t get the result they wanted, they came back ready to go and put it behind them. The players who stayed back had put in a lot of work, and we went on a strong run after that. Clinching first place and securing a playoff spot were big moments. By the time playoffs came, we felt ready for anything. It all goes by so fast, but it’s a lot of work every day. To come out on top made it special.

G&W: What was that transition like for the Olympians coming back after the gold medal game between Canada and the U.S.?

Willoughby: I was really impressed, but not surprised, by how they handled it. We had one gold medalist and several players who won silver. You want everyone to come back happy, but I can’t imagine how hard that loss would be. They came back like nothing had changed. I didn’t notice any shift in their effort, attitude, or how they trained. If anything, it seemed like it made them more motivated. We didn’t know what to expect, but we were ready to support them. It was great to see.

G&W: How would you characterize your role on the Victoire this season and how did you embrace it?

Willoughby: I’ve always focused on my strengths and what I bring to a team. Roles can change throughout a season, so I don’t focus too much on a specific role. I play with speed, bring energy, and try to shift momentum with my forecheck. I like to be a disruptor—I call myself a bit of a menace out there. I try to apply pressure and force turnovers. I’m not the biggest goal scorer, but I focus on creating opportunities for my team. I had a role on the penalty kill this year, which I really enjoyed and leaned into. Overall, I just tried to stay consistent with what I do best and embrace whatever role the coaches needed from me each game.

G&W: You just finished your second season in Montreal after beginning your PWHL career in Toronto. How would you compare the two big, passionate hockey markets?

Willoughby: I feel lucky to have experienced both. In Toronto, it was incredible right away. Our general manager told us all regular season games were sold out before the league even started. That support was unbelievable. Then, coming to Montreal, it felt like another level. The rink holds more fans, and the atmosphere is intense. There are moments when it’s so loud, I can’t hear my teammates. Both markets are amazing. I’m a little biased toward Montreal now, but I have nothing but great things to say about both experiences.

G&W: You mentioned your captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, one of the all-time greats. What have you learned from her as a teammate?

Willoughby: I’ve loved getting to know her, both on and off the ice. I pay attention to what players like her do every day. The biggest thing I learned this season is how she handles adversity. Losing the gold medal, dealing with injury, she never changed who she was or how she showed up. That says a lot about her character. She treats everyone with respect and as equals, and she’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen. Watching how she handles challenges is something I’ll carry with me.

G&W: What evolution have you seen in the PWHL and do you feel part of something bigger?

Willoughby: Absolutely. Expansion is stressful for players, but we all understand it’s necessary for growth. I think a lot about the future of the game. Twenty years from now, salaries will be higher and opportunities will be greater. Even if we’re not the ones to benefit from that, we’re proud to help grow the league. We can only go up from here, and it’s exciting to be part of that.

Kaitlin Willoughby in action in the final game. (Photo courtesy: Victoire de Montréal)

G&W: In the past, you’ve talked about how you’ve stayed in touch with your Huskie teammates years later. Did you hear from your Huskie teammates during the playoff run?

Willoughby: I love hearing from my former Huskie teammates. Even though we’re not all in the same place anymore, we stay connected. A lot of people reached out throughout the season and during playoffs to say congratulations and that they were watching. It means a lot to feel that support. They’ll always have a special place in my heart, and hearing from them means everything.

G&W: How did your time as a student-athlete at USask prepare you for life as a professional?

Willoughby: Balancing hockey and school taught me a lot. I graduated with a nursing degree, and it was challenging. Those were some of the busiest and hardest times in my life. I still think back to that now. When I’m tired, I remind myself that I used to juggle hockey and school.  Being a student-athlete taught me work ethic and time management. It might sound cliché, but it’s true. It gave me a foundation I still rely on today.

G&W: Earlier this year, you were the keynote speaker at the Huskie Women of Influence Breakfast. What did that experience mean to you, and how did it feel to reconnect with that community?

Willoughby: That was such a special experience. I’m grateful to have been invited to be part of that event. The support I received afterward was incredible. The nursing faculty, even the dean, sent handwritten letters, which meant so much to me. I haven’t had a chance to respond to everyone yet, but I just want them to know how thankful I am. It reminded me how strong and supportive that network is, and I’m just grateful to be part of it.

G&W: You’re a nursing grad, with experience in labour and delivery and operating room nursing. How does your education and experience in the profession factor in your life right now?

Willoughby: Nursing has always been a passion of mine. My mom is a nurse, and I’ve always wanted to help people. I applied to nursing school three times before getting in, so it meant a lot to me. In the offseason, I work to maintain my license and skills. Usually, I do a couple of months of contract nursing, and I’ve worked in a few different places, including Minnesota and Saskatchewan. I enjoy going back to it after the season. It’s something I’m really proud of, and it’s important to me to keep building those skills.

G&W: What continues to draw you back to nursing while juggling the demands of your pro hockey career?

Willoughby: Ideally, I’d spend my entire offseason training, but I know I need another career long-term. Financially, it’s important for me to keep building toward that. At the same time, helping people is something I’ve always cared about. Nursing isn’t easy. There are tough days, but those moments when a patient thanks you really stay with you. That’s what keeps me coming back. It’s a different kind of fulfillment, and it’s something I want to continue alongside hockey.

G&W: What’s next for you in this off-season?

Willoughby: I’m spending some time in Toronto right now, then heading back to Saskatchewan to see family and work as a nurse. After that, I’ll figure out what next season looks like. With expansion happening, there’s a lot up in the air. Ideally, I’d love to stay in Montreal, but I’m keeping an open mind. It’ll be a busy month, and then I’ll focus on training for next season.

G&W: Knowing what you know about your life and career today, what would you tell your younger self as a Huskie student-athlete?

Willoughby: I’d say to keep doing what you’re doing, keep working hard and, most importantly, have fun. This sport brings me so much joy and that’s why I keep playing. If you continue to love it and put everything into it, you’ll be able to enjoy it longer than you think. Life is about finding joy; I’ve been lucky to find that through hockey.