Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.
In the 15th installment of this series, the WCHA spotlights former Minnesota Duluth blueliner Kailee Pichetti (Skinner), who is now a fourth-year Medical Student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. Pichetti was named an alternate captain for her senior season with the Bulldogs while she totaled seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points during her four years with UMD. Off the ice, Pichetti was named an AHCA Division I Krampade All-American Scholar, a three-time WCHA Scholar Athlete recipient and WCHA All-Academic Team member.
Read below on how Pichetti's time at Minnesota Duluth and playing in the WCHA prepared her for her current career path and more.
How did playing college and/or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing college hockey prepared me for medicine by teaching me skills like performing under pressure, working within a team, adaptability, and time management. The habits I developed as a student-athlete—resilience, preparation, and continuous improvement—have been invaluable throughout medical school and will continue to serve me in residency.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
I have so many amazing memories from playing in the WCHA; it is hard to choose. Our playoff run in my senior year is one of the highlights. We beat the Gophers in Ridder to go to the Frozen Four, and it was so much fun getting to share that moment with my teammates, family, and all the fans that travelled for the game. We lost in the National Championship game, but getting to play on that stage is something I will never forget.
What advice would you give to current WCHA players?
Don't be afraid to pursue ambitious goals outside of hockey. The work ethic, teamwork, and perseverance you develop as a student-athlete will open doors in whatever career you choose.
What advice would you give to your college self?
Balancing all the responsibilities of a student-athlete can feel overwhelming at times, but you can push yourself to take on more than you think. Don’t miss out on opportunities to get involved with school clubs and the local community.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The most rewarding part of playing in the WCHA is all the lifelong friendships you make with your teammates. These friendships are forged through all the battles you face with your teammates playing in the WCHA. It is the strongest conference in college hockey, which requires you to bring your best to be successful and fosters one’s competitive level. This forces teams to form strong bonds to be successful and leaves you with lifelong friends when it is over.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
Be present. It's easy to focus on the next game, the next season, or what's coming after hockey, but some of your best memories are being made right now, and college hockey goes by quickly.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Audrey and Madeline Wethington, Minnesota
Anna Erickson, St. Thomas
Makayla Langei, Bemidji State
Sofia Even (Poinar), Minnesota State
Sis Paulsen, Wisconsin
Abby Haluska, Bemidji State
Julianna Iafallo, Ohio State
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.