Sisters in Hockey: Chelsea and Caileigh Tiller’s Path to the Next Level
How family, mentors, and passion shape two rising hockey stars
Welcome back to Rinkside Rundown. This week, I had the chance to sit down with Chelsea and Caileigh Tiller—two sisters who’ve grown up side by side on the ice, playing for the Burlington Barracudas in the U22 Elite League. Now, they’re gearing up for a big next step: heading to the University of Connecticut next season.
What really stuck with me was hearing how their love for hockey started at home, inspired by their older brother. Chelsea and Caileigh both talked about that mix of fun and competition they felt from day one. Growing up in St. Catharines, a place where hockey runs deep, there’s this constant push to get better, and they’ve embraced that pressure as a privilege, not a burden.
They told me about the role models who kept them motivated, especially their cousin,
who made the jump from junior hockey to the NCAA. Having someone close to watch and learn from makes all the difference when you’re chasing big dreams.
The switch to the Burlington Barracudas wasn’t just a new team; it was a fresh start. Chelsea and Caileigh talked about being open to new styles and systems, which made that transition easier. It’s clear the Barracudas aren’t just teammates, they’re a community that’s helped these two grow.
Competing at higher levels means everything from provincial teams to wearing the Canadian jersey on the international stage. Caileigh shared how surreal it was to represent Canada, and Chelsea, as captain of the Barracudas, talked about the responsibility that comes with leading younger players.
Looking ahead, both sisters are excited and maybe a little nervous about what’s next at UConn. For them, heading off to college together is not just about hockey but about sharing this incredible journey side by side.
Chelsea and Caileigh’s story is about more than just skill and stats. It’s about family, mentorship, and that drive to keep pushing forward no matter what. Watching them take this next step, it’s easy to believe there’s a lot more to come from these two.
Check out our full conversation on YouTube here.
Key takeaways:
Family and mentors are huge when you’re chasing big goals.
Pressure isn’t always a bad thing; it can push you to be better.
Being open to new experiences makes growth possible.
Wearing your country’s jersey is a moment you never forget.
Sharing your journey with family makes the highs and lows even more meaningful.