Justin Kirkland Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Justin Kirkland

Justin Kirkland is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward known for his size, two-way play, and incredible perseverance. A seasoned player who has navigated the challenges of professional hockey, Kirkland has spent time in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey is marked by a relentless determination to compete at the highest level, overcoming significant injuries and setbacks. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 62nd overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Kirkland has played for several organizations, including the Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona Coyotes. His story is one of resilience, highlighted by his return to the NHL after a near-fatal car accident, a testament to his dedication and love for the game.

Justin Kirkland Overview

Early Life and Education of Justin Kirkland

Justin Kirkland was born on August 2, 1996, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. While his roots are in Manitoba, he spent his formative years growing up in Camrose, Alberta. It was in Camrose that his passion for hockey was ignited and his skills were initially honed. He played two years of bantam triple-A level hockey for the Camrose Kodiaks U15 AAA team in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League. Following his time with the Kodiaks, Kirkland’s talents led him to Saskatchewan, where he attended the prestigious Athol Murray College of Notre Dame from 2011 to 2013. The college is renowned for its strong academic and athletic programs, providing a fertile ground for aspiring young hockey players to develop their abilities while pursuing their education. This period was crucial in preparing him for the rigors of high-level junior hockey.

Justin Kirkland’s Career

Justin Kirkland’s career has been a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to the sport of ice hockey. After being selected 103rd overall by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2011 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft, he joined the team full-time for the 2013-14 season. In his rookie WHL season, he impressed with 48 points in 68 games, which led to him being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The following season, Kirkland was a key contributor to the Rockets’ success, helping them capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions in 2015. During the 2015-16 season, he was recognized for his contributions with the Kelowna Rockets’ Unsung Hero award.

In 2016, Kirkland signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Predators and began his professional career. For the next three seasons, he primarily played for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He also had a brief stint with the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL during the 2016-17 season. After his contract with the Predators organization, Kirkland became an unrestricted free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames in 2019. He spent the next three seasons with the Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat, where he had a breakout season in 2021-22, scoring 25 goals and adding 23 assists for 48 points in 66 games.

His strong performance in the AHL earned him a one-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks for the 2022-23 season. It was with the Ducks that Kirkland made his long-awaited NHL debut on December 20, 2022, against the Los Angeles Kings. However, his season was tragically interrupted in January 2023 when he was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in significant injuries and required hospitalization. He showed incredible resilience by returning to the ice later that season. For the 2023-24 season, Kirkland signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Arizona Coyotes and played two games with the NHL club. In the summer of 2024, Kirkland returned to the Calgary Flames organization on a one-year, two-way contract. He scored his first NHL goal on October 13, 2024, against the Edmonton Oilers. Unfortunately, his promising season was cut short in November 2024 by a torn ACL that required surgery.

Justin Kirkland Personal Life & Family

Justin Kirkland is married to his wife, Madison. She has been a constant source of support throughout his career, celebrating his successes and providing strength during challenging times. Her enthusiastic support is often shared publicly, including her celebratory dances in their front yard after he scored his first NHL goal. His parents, Malcolm and Mavis Kirkland, have also been fixtures of support, often seen at games cheering him on. The family has embraced his popular “Costco” nickname, even sporting attire with the brand’s logo at games. Beyond his immediate family, Kirkland has spoken about the importance of his support system, including his sister, in helping him navigate the highs and lows of his professional career. He has also been open about the mental challenges that come with significant injuries and has credited his willingness to be open with his loved ones as a key part of his recovery process.

Awards and Achievements of Justin Kirkland

• WHL Ed Chynoweth Cup Champion (2015)
• Kelowna Rockets Unsung Hero Award (2015-16)
• Nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2025)

Justin Kirkland Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Justin Kirkland’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-2 million. His income is primarily derived from his professional hockey contracts. Throughout his career, he has signed several one-year, two-way contracts with various NHL teams, including the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona Coyotes. His most recent contract with the Calgary Flames, signed in June 2025, is a one-year deal worth $900,000. Two-way contracts provide different salary levels depending on whether the player is in the NHL or the AHL. His earnings have also included signing bonuses and potential performance-based incentives over the years. His career earnings reflect his status as a player who has competed at both the AHL and NHL levels.

Legacy and Influence

Justin Kirkland’s legacy in hockey is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact through his perseverance and dedication. His journey is an inspiring story for many young athletes who face adversity in their careers. His ability to battle back from a life-threatening car accident and a major knee injury to continue competing at the highest level of professional hockey speaks volumes about his character and mental fortitude. He is seen as a consummate professional and a supportive teammate. His nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey, is a formal recognition of his inspiring journey. Beyond his on-ice contributions, Kirkland’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and a strong support system in overcoming life’s challenges.

Interesting Facts about Justin Kirkland

• He is widely known by the nickname “Costco,” a playful reference to the Kirkland Signature brand. The nickname has become so popular that his family has worn Costco-branded apparel to his games, and there has even been talk of a potential partnership with the company.
• Following his first NHL goal, his wife Madison was so excited that she was dancing in her pajamas on their front lawn when he arrived home.
• He scored his first career NHL goal a decade after he was initially drafted, a rare feat for a non-goaltender.
• After suffering a season-ending ACL injury, he found a rehab partner in his teammate Anthony Mantha, who was recovering from a similar injury.
• In January 2023, he was involved in a serious car accident on his way to a game that resulted in significant head trauma and facial fractures.

Controversies

Not publicly available

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Information not disclosed

Final Words about Justin Kirkland

Justin Kirkland’s career is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and an unyielding spirit. Despite facing numerous obstacles that could have derailed his professional aspirations, he has consistently demonstrated the heart of a true competitor. From his championship season in the WHL to realizing his dream of playing in the NHL, Kirkland’s journey has been anything but linear. His ability to overcome a near-fatal car accident and a significant knee injury is a testament to his incredible resilience. As he continues his career, his story will undoubtedly continue to inspire both on and off the ice. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering determination have solidified his reputation as a player who embodies the true spirit of hockey. Looking ahead, Justin Kirkland’s focus will be on returning to full health and making a significant impact in the NHL, adding further chapters to his remarkable story of perseverance.