Prince Albert’s Kaitlin Willoughby said the excitement still hasn’t faded after helping the Montreal Victoire make PWHL history. Willoughby and the Victoire captured the Walter Cup with a 4-0 win over the Ottawa Charge last Wednesday. “The seasons are hard and there’s so many good teams in this league, so to be able to come out on top just felt absolutely incredible. I’m still riding a high,” she said in an interview with CTV News. It’s the first time a Canadian team has won the PWHL championship in the league’s three-year history. Willoughby said people in Saskatchewan have continued to show their support throughout the season and following the title win. “It means the world to me and I’m really proud to be from Saskatchewan, and I’m really thankful that everyone’s been so supportive.” Prior to the PWHL, Willoughby played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. One of her former Huskies coaches, Robin Ulrich, was in Ottawa for the championship game, watching the victory from the stands. “Getting to see Kaitlin play, and for the Victoire to win, was just an amazing experience and really cool to see the journey she’s been on and where it’s taken her,” Ulrich said in an interview with CTV News. Willoughby said celebrating the championship with Ulrich made the moment even more special. “She’s been a part of my hockey journey since my Huskie days, and she continues to support me,” Willoughby said. “To have her out on the ice with me to celebrate after was pretty special.” Ulrich said Willoughby’s speed and talent on the ice are what make her stand out. “One of the fastest players we’ve ever seen. I would arguably say probably one of the fastest players in the PWHL,” Ulrich said. She said Willoughby’s dedication and work ethic have also been key to her development as a player. “She’s had to put a ton of work in and be really dedicated to her craft and changing her game a little bit to be able to fit in and find a place within the Victoire,” Ulrich said. Willoughby’s rise to the PWHL is helping shine a spotlight on the Huskies women’s hockey program, Ulrich said. “We’re trying to sell ourselves as a stepping stone toward professional hockey, whether that be overseas or ideally in the PWHL,” she said. Willoughby said with four former university athletes on the roster, the team is showing the U Sports path can lead to pro hockey. “We’ve proved that it can be done and to have four people on our team that were part of the championship I think means a lot,” she said.
