Explore every episode of the podcast Breaking the Ice

Lo Carr, wife of Kevin Carr, who finished last season in Nottingham, England in the EIHL. 

In this episode we chat about: 

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Lo and Kevin met in college, lost touch and unexpectedly found their way back to each other years later
• Their experience living and playing hockey in England, Germany, Norway and Scotland
• Learning to adapt to new countries, teams and communities season after season
• Lo’s “say yes” mentality and how it shaped her experience living abroad
• Building and maintaining her own career while moving internationally for hockey
• Finding remote jobs and her advice for hockey partners trying to do the same
• The emotions that come with knowing your final hockey season is actually your final season
• Going out on your own terms versus having the game make the decision for you
• Lo’s biggest advice after years in the hockey world: say yes, embrace where you are, and make the most of every season

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This week, I'm joined by Lauren Pronger, wife of Chris Pronger, who is a NHL Hall of Famer. Lauren is a entrepreneur, certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, bestselling author, founder of Super Well and Well-Inspired Travels!

Lauren shares the honest, often unseen side of life behind professional hockey. From meeting Chris at the start of his NHL career to navigating multiple moves, raising three children, and eventually facing his career-ending concussion, she opens up about the identity shifts, burnout, and rebuilding that followed.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Lauren's reminder that supporting your spouse and building something of your own are not mutually exclusive. Whether you're in the middle of the hockey grind, preparing for retirement, or simply wondering what's next for you, this episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Why every hockey wife should nurture an identity outside of the game
• How Lauren and Chris first met and built a life together through hockey
• Navigating the mental load of motherhood during the hockey season
• The devastating impact of Chris's career-ending concussion on their family
• Lauren's experience with severe burnout and what finally helped her recover
• How she turned a passion for travel into a successful luxury wellness business
• Preparing for life after professional sports before retirement arrives
• Raising children in the spotlight of professional athletics
• Why investing in yourself ultimately benefits your marriage and family
•  

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another hockey wife or sports family who could use this conversation.

Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram @breakingtheicepod for more stories from behind the scenes of professional hockey, and be sure to connect with Lauren to learn more about her wellness journey and businesses.

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Rachael Czarnik, wife of Austin Czarnik, who plays in Lausanne, Switzerland, joins me today on Breaking the Ice!

In this episode, we cover:

• Making long-distance work during the early years of professional hockey
• Why they chose Switzerland over the uncertainty of the AHL/NHL lifestyle
• Raising young children abroad and creating stability through constant change
• What to know and what to pack before making the move overseas
• The biggest culture shocks after arriving in Europe
• Building community in a new country
• Processing the loss of her mother
• Giving birth in Switzerland and why the experience exceeded every expectation
• Rachel's advice for families considering taking the leap overseas

and so much more! This is such a great conversation.

 

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Brittany Wedgewood, wife of Scott Wedgewood, who is the goalie for the Colorado Avalanche joins me back on Breaking the Ice! Brit is no stranger to the podcast and I am so excited for you to listen in for this conversation.

In this episode we chat about:

• Life updates, more stability in Colorado, and playoff run emotions
• Behind the scenes as a goalie family during high pressure moments
• Dealing with social media negativity and the impact of sports betting culture
• The realities and misconceptions of life as a hockey wife
• Building a support system through the hockey community
• Navigating motherhood with two young children and finding balance
• Hockey life with pets, constant moves, and the everyday chaos of hockey life
• Favorite hockey cities and what makes different organizations stand out
• The importance of veteran leadership, community, and team culture

and as always, so much more!

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I am joined by Jordan Laine, wife of Patrik Laine, who plays for the Montreal Canadiens, and we have a conversation about grief, mental health, and the constant in between. Jordan opens up about losing her mom at 14, navigating this life alongside her husband, and how those experiences led her to co-found with her husband From Us to You. 

In this episode we talk about:

• Life before hockey and holding onto your identity
• Grief and how it shapes you long-term
• The mental load that comes with this lifestyle
• The reality of trades, uncertainty, and constant change
• Supporting a partner while managing your own mental health
• Turning personal experiences into something that helps others

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Mental Health Resources

 

Carley Carrick, wife of Sam Carrick, who plays for the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL joins me today on Breaking the Ice! It was so fun connecting with her IRL after chatting back and forth for years!

In this episode we chat about: 

• How the hockey life pushes you out of your comfort zone and shapes your personal growth
• Navigating major life transitions, pregnancies during call ups and send downs and with young kids
• What a NHL housing letter is and what it symbolizes when you get one
• What the NY Rangers set up looks like for the players and families
• Managing solo roadtrips and the logistics and mental load of trades with kids 
• The hockey community and the community you build in the city you play in
• Starting over in the middle of the season and how she encourages herself to keep on keepin on!

and so much more!

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Elle Mingoia, wife of Trevor Mingoia, who finished his last professional hockey season playing in Valerenga, Norway, joins me on the podcast today. This episode is real, raw and vulnerable and an episode where I know a lot of women will feel heard.

We chat about: 

• Having kids adds a whole new layer to hockey decisions
• The mental load of hockey life (on and off the ice)
• How the business side of hockey is changing for families: Logistics, Needs and being told one thing and showing up to another
• The uncertainty of what comes next after hockey
• Why no one really prepares you for retirement
• The identity shift that comes with this lifestyle
• Thinking about life beyond hockey… before you have to

and so much more! I can't wait for you guys to listen to this episode. If you are struggling in this lifestyle, please reach out or confide in someone you trust. You are not alone! 

 

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Yakira Gill, wife of Sahir Gill, who plays in Hannover Germany in the Del3, joins me on the podcast! Over the past 8 years in Europe, Yakira has such a positive perspective about their hockey journey and this is a must listen if you need a little inspo to make the best of it!

In this episode we chat about: 

• What her and her family ask for from teams when making a decision of where to sign 
• Finding joy in the small moments
• The European Hockey experience and what that has been like for her and her three kids 
• First year culture shock and the adjustment period
• Her birth experiences in Europe vs. North America 
• Birth Advice for those giving birth abroad

and so much more! 

 

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Buckle up. Today is the day my solo episode is out and I am catching you up you up to speed on my life. This episode is HONEST. This isn't a universal episode, or an episode where I am speaking for everyone. It's simply me sharing my truth. Whenever I record these solo episodes, I always listen back and think there are more things I wish I said or described! But I sat down one night during an away game, and shared my truth! 

In this episode I am chatting about: 

• Why we originally went overseas and what drew us to hockey there
• Walking through our Euro journey 
• What I enjoy about the lifestyle over there
• Why we made the decision to be done with Europe
• Loneliness abroad and how that deeply affected my mental health
• Sharing our conversations about what life may look like after hockey
• Online noise about the hockey life
• the ECHL strike over Christmas
• How I am staying grounded and what I am focusing on with a crazy North American hockey schedule

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I am joined by Caitlyn Mantha, wife of Anthony Mantha, who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL! In this episode we chat about: 

• Navigating Unpredictability in this lifestyle: trades, moves and what they do every season with their living arrangements
• Flexibility and her roll with it attitude for surviving constant change
• How they prioritize and focus on their relationship throughout the hockey season
• Solo parenting and long roadtrips
• How she has evolved throughout her years in the hockey lifestyle

and so much more!

 

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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Marianna Theodore, wife of Shea Theodore from the Vegas Golden Knights!

We dive into:

• How they navigated the early days of a long-distance relationship.

• The fun and unique traditions the wives have every year in Vegas.

• Experiencing the highs (and emotions) of winning the Stanley Cup.

• A behind the scenes look at life in a pro hockey family.

• How they find connection and balance as parents amidst a fast-paced lifestyle.

and so much more!

 

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Today on the Breaking the Ice, I am joined by Caitlin and Chelsea, the women behind the Instagram page @themamapsychologists  !

We chat about the unique challenges of motherhood in hockey life. From postpartum anxiety and depression to solo parenting during road trips, this episode will help you navigate life away from your support systems.

We dive into: 

• The Importance of Community in Postpartum
• How isolation, especially living overseas, impacts new mothers
• NICU Experience and Trauma
• Differentiating Baby Blues from Postpartum Mental Health Issues
• Partner Preparation and Support
• Social Media Boundaries and Mental Health
• Managing info overload and algorithm driven anxiety content
• Solo Parenting and Self Care
• Practical strategies for managing alone time during hockey season

This is a MUST listen for moms everywhere!

 

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A former Naval Flight Officer turned graduate student, whose story is nothing short of inspiring! She opens up about discipline, identity, and the resilience it takes to thrive.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How her job prepared her for the unpredictability of hockey life

• Meeting her husband on Hinge and navigating years of long-distance

• Early relationship challenges with international career decisions

• Balancing two demanding careers and learning to compartmentalize stress

• Breaking stereotypes about military women and hockey players and more!

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This week on Breaking the Ice, I chat with Lauren Rodych-Eberle, wife to Jordan Eberle, captain of the Seattle Kraken. Lauren and I dive into what life looks like in the hockey world as a captain’s family, raising three kids, and building a life that changes every season!

We talk about:

• The difference between in season and off season rhythms

• What it means to be “the captain’s wife” (and the role that comes with it)

• Navigating trades and the constant possibility of moving

• Conscious parenting and how to ground your kids in the chaos

• Having real conversations with older kids about leaving and getting settled for the hockey season

• Finding balance and identity outside of hockey while raising three little ones

Lauren also shares about their family foundation, Sticks and Strings, which supports music and hockey programming for kids. From helping provide instruments to funding hockey camps and clinics, it’s all about creating opportunities for kids to find confidence and connection through both sports and the arts.

This is one of my faves, enjoy!

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Today on the podcast, Erin Forsberg joins with me! Erin is the wife to, Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators. We talk about how she’s built a life in a city she loves, the balance between two demanding careers, and what it’s like to step into the hockey world.

We chat about her music career, navigating motherhood with a toddler while her husband is on the road, and the friendships that make the hockey community feel like family!

 

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Kayla Alber, wife of former pro hockey player Patch Alber, joins me on Breaking the Ice today to talk about life after European hockey. She opens up about what the transition back to the U.S. really looked like after Patch’s retirement, everything from navigating an unexpected identity shift to adjusting as a parent without the support of their tight knit hockey community.

It’s an honest, down to earth conversation about change, growth, and finding your footing after such a unique chapter of life.

 

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Katherine (Kat) Ellis, girlfriend of Jake Wise, who finished last season for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, freelance sports media creator, on camera host, and the mind behind Out of Her League, a series that highlights women and their unique perspectives in the world of sports.

Kat and I dive into what it’s really like to build a media career while living the ever changing life of a hockey girlfriend. From producing and editing her own show to navigating the shift from college hockey to pro life in Colorado, Kat opens up about the behind the scenes reality of creating something meaningful in a world that doesn’t always know where to place you.

We talk about:

• How Out of Her League started as a passion project and evolved into a space that gives visibility to overlooked women in sports

• The reality of moving through different seasons of hockey even when you’re in the same place

• Balancing ambition with a relationship that’s constantly on the move

• Why staying true to yourself is the most important thing you can do

and so so much more!

 

LINKS:

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Chloe Skinner, wife to Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, just days before the Stanley Cup Finals kick off. And yes… it’s the exact same matchup as last year!

We talk about what it’s really like being a goalie wife during one of the most high-pressure moments in hockey, how playoff life impacts family rhythms, and what motherhood looks like when everything is constantly moving. From game day superstitions to raising kids in the chaos, Chloe shares it all real, grounded, and in the thick of it.

You’re going to love this one.

Connect with me: 📲 Instagram: @breakingtheicepod

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This week on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Marissa Lomberg, wife of Calgary Flames forward Ryan Lomberg and mom of three under 2.5.

Before life as a hockey wife and full time mom, Marissa was a Boston based flight attendant, and met Ryan through a mutual college connection. In this episode, we talk about their whirlwind dating days, her transition out of work and into motherhood, and what it’s been like relocating to Calgary with three very small kids.

She opens up about everything from Stanley Cup celebrations while pregnant to finding her rhythm in this chaotic but rewarding season of life. We also chat about the realities of being a hockey family, like adjusting to new cities, asking for help, and navigating toddlers in fire filled arenas.

 

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m joined by Madison Provorov, wife Ivan Provorov, who finished last season playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the face behind the Instagram account for their Golden Retriever, Drake. In this episode, Madison opens up about their elopement, navigating IVF while married to a pro athlete and being a dog momager to Drake!

 

IN THIS EPISODE WE CHAT ABOUT:

• How Madison and Ivan met and their elopement this past fall

• Life as a hockey wife and what it’s really like behind the scenes

• The challenges of IVF and how she managed treatments and stayed positive throughout the process during the season

• Living in Columbus as free agents and finding community in unexpected places

• Learning Russian and being married to someone from a different country

• Growing Drake’s Instagram to over a million followers and turning it into a career

• Tips for anyone going through IVF or managing long-distance relationships

• Why embracing the present matters when your lifestyle is always changing

 

SPONSORS:

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Today on Breaking the Ice, I’m chatting with Whitney Kaskisuo, wife of Kasmir Kaskisuo, who is a goalie for the Bloomington Bison in the ECHL. She's a mom and someone who has built such a strong and honest presence online.

We covered so much in this episode — from navigating the constant relocations that come with the hockey lifestyle, to how her family is handling their first season doing long distance. Whitney opens up about the emotional toll this life can have, especially on kids, and how she’s stayed grounded through it all!

She also shared how their social media journey started and how it has become a major part of her and her husbands life.

We chat about everything from supporting your partner through career uncertainty, to planning for life after hockey, to dealing with public perception. We also chat about how crucial it is for organizations to recognize and support the families behind the players. Because these women, these families, give up so much to be there.

Whitney was such an open book, and this is one of those conversations that will really hit home for anyone navigating this lifestyle!

 

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In this episode, I sit down with Kris Mueller, who moved with her husband, Mirco Mueller, from the NHL to Switzerland, where they built a home and started their family.

We talk about what it was like for her to have kids abroad, the challenges of adapting to life in a different country, and the reality of making friends when you’re constantly moving. Whether you’ve ever felt like an outsider, struggled to find your place in a new group, or just wondered what life looks like after the NHL, this episode is for you.

• Tune in to hear us chat about:
• The transition from the NHL to playing in Europe
•  Building a home and raising kids in Switzerland
• The cultural differences in parenting abroad
• Navigating friendships and social circles in a new country
• How to find your people when life is always changing

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to find their footing in this lifestyle.

 

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Cheryl Rosa, wife of Marco Rosa, who finished his career in the AlpsHL in Asiago, joins me on the podcast today! Moving abroad comes with its own set of challenges, but finding a sense of belonging makes all the difference. In this episode, we chat about navigating life in Italy after her husband’s career-ending injury. From adjusting to a new culture to launching a career in sleep training, she shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and creating a support system in a small town!

• Life in Italy after a career-ending hockey injury 

• The challenges of adjusting to a new country and culture

• Transitioning into a career in sleep training and finding her purpose

• The slower pace of life in a small Italian town

• Managing routines, jet lag, and sleep schedules for kids while traveling 

• Finding community and support outside of hockey

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Jessica Corrado, wife of Frank Corrado, joins me on Breaking the Ice.

 

We're chatting:

• Ups and Downs between the AHL and NHL
• The impact that injuries can have and the emotional toll it can take
• Transitioning to a new career after retirement 
• Motherhood and being a twin mom
• Navigating the immigration process for Canadian and American couples

 

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In this episode, Maggie Kestner, wife of Josh Kestner, who plays in Slovakia joins me for the SECOND time! (I will link the first episode down below). Together, we share authentic insights into the highs and lows of living abroad, balancing relationships, and navigating this lifestyle overall.

We chat about:

• January Blues--why this month is hard for most hockey families
• Battling loneliness, OCD + Mental Health Struggles, and the desire for independence
• The challenges of feeling like you don't have much control of your life
• What can impact your experiences + happiness during the season
• We chat about how we were both interviewed for a Netflix Docuseries on Hockey Wives + what our thoughts are on how it went down + what we think about it all!

+ more! This is a MUST listen. 

 

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In this episode, I am joined by the Ashley Booth, wife of professional hockey player David Booth, who plays this year in the Erste Liga. Ashley shares her powerful story of navigating so many seasons in professional hockey (never on the same team twice) and moving between teams and countries. From raising children abroad to enduring personal loss, Ashley opens up about her journey with vulnerability and strength.

 

We chat about:

• Moving teams every year and adapting to new cultures.
• The unique experience of raising children abroad.
• Navigating personal loss during playoff finals last season
• Finding strength through faith during life’s toughest moments.
• Reflecting on resilience and the ability to handle more than you think you can.

Tune in for an honest and deeply inspiring conversation with Ashley Booth!

 

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In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Noureen DeWulf shares her evolution as both an individual and a partner in the world of pro hockey. Married to retired NHL player Ryan Miller, who finished is career playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Noureen shares the realities of navigating change, supporting a partner’s high-pressure career while maintaining her own. Noureen is also a hilarious actress and you may recognize her from Anger Management, Good Girls and many other shows and movies! 

We chat about:

• Hockey Wife Realities: Balancing moves, long-distance dynamics, and a thriving career.
• Retirement Challenges: How their family found new purpose and stability after Ryan’s NHL retirement.
• Parenting: Noureen’s reflections on supporting each other and embracing family life.

+ so much more! <3 

 

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This week is a solo episode with your host and we’re diving into what it’s like to navigate the holiday season as a hockey family! From festive traditions to the unique challenges of being away from home, I'm unpacking all the feels and finding ways to make the season special.

In this episode I talk about: 

• The highs and lows of being away during the holidays 🌟
• Heartwarming traditions to keep the holiday spirit alive 🎄
• Navigating friendships in the hockey community 💌
• Motherhood, family balance, and juggling it all

Grab your coffee, and join me for this cozy and relatable conversation. You don’t want to miss it!

 

P.S. Enjoyed this episode? Please put it up on your story and tag my page!

 

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Past Episodes on Friendships:

Friendships: A Reason, Season or Lifetime with Layne Gibbons 

Inclusion, Debunking Stereotypes and People Pleasing with Madison Marshall 

 

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Courtlyn Fazakas, girlfriend of Brett Ferguson, who plays for the Guildford Flames in the EIHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! In this episode, she reflects on her journey from small-town life to navigating the perks and challenges of moving abroad with her partner and building a career and sense of purpose in a new country.

In this episode we chat about: 

• Shifting from corporate life to fitness and finding her passion.
• Adjusting to life as a hockey spouse, handling shared spaces, and making new friends.
•  Her experience with mental health and medication 
• Advice for starting your own business 

and so much more! Plug your headphones in and enjoy this episode!

 

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In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Rachel Novak, girlfriend of Michael Cichy, who plays for the Fife Flyers in the EIHL, joins me! Rachel and Michael have been in a long-distance relationship for over eight years. We dive into the challenges, lessons, and strategies of maintaining a strong relationship while apart, focusing on the unique struggles that come with the hockey lifestyle.

 

In this episode we talk about:

• The emotional rollercoaster of long-distance relationships.

• Managing communication with time zone differences and hockey’s unpredictable schedule.

• The impact of long-distance on mental health and anxiety.

• Practical strategies for maintaining trust and staying busy while apart.

 

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Today is a minisode with me, your host! 

Here are some things I chat about in this episode:

• Missing big life moments during the hockey season (weddings, babies, trips to see family)
• Sacrifices that we make as significant others in this lifestyle 
• Not trying to fix or get to the bottom of your feelings and just letting yourself feel them
• Our travel day over to the UK
• Navigating our kids having a hard time with the hockey season transition and how I've supported them with these changes 
• Moving and how it affects you mentally
• HOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE YOUR LIFE FIGURED OUT IN A WEEK (say it louder for the people in the back)

 

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CUSTOM GAME DAY APPAREL for the hockey season from custom.by.elle

We all know it best, the hockey life is chaotic and this absolutely can make it challenging in your relationship when there are always additional stressors at play. Today on the podcast I have couples therapist, Tracy Dalgleish, who is a podcaster, author, and a force in the online space!

In this episode we talk about:

• Learning to tune into your own needs when you are living in constant chaos
• How to express your needs to your partner before you're in a state of overwhelm
• Not letting you partners bad game affect your mood and WHY you let it
• How your early childhood experiences an impact how you feel + communicate in your relationship
• Social media and how it gives us a false sense of closeness
• Ways to prepare for a baby with your partner
• Boundaries 
• In Law Relationships

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Grab Her Book: I Didn't Sign Up For This 

Dr. Tracy's First Episode on BTI: Resentment, Acceptance + Making Space in Your Relationship

 

Natalie Miller, wife of JT Miller who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, joins me on Breaking the Ice Podcast today. If there's one episode that will make you laugh, this one is it.

 

In this episode we talk about:

• Long Distance, Call Ups + Send Downs
• Being A Mom Away from Home + Postpartum 
• Losing a Parent During the Hockey Season and Signs She Has Received from Her Mom Since She's Passed
• How Getting Traded + Leaving the House She Built and Designed Led Her to Find Her Passion
• Tips on How to Follow Your Dreams + Start a Career (while also supporting your significant other)
• How to Have A More Inclusive Hockey Season
• What a NHL Wives Fund Is
• How to Get More Involved in the Community 

 

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Sarah Bross, wife of Zack Bross, who finished his last season in the Del3, joins me on Breaking the Ice Today!

In this episode, we chat about: 

• Long Distance in college and what she would go back and tell her younger self
• What made them take the leap to Europe
• The importance of getting things in writing + doing your due diligence
• Culture Shock
• Recognizing the positives of this lifestyle while you're in it
• Instagram v. Reality and the biggest misconceptions 
• Tips for traveling in Europe on a budget and her favorite place she's ever traveled in Europe
• What she doesn't recommend bringing to Europe and how she packed lightly for the season

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Emmeli Rakell, wife of Rickard Rakell, who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, joins me this week on Breaking the Ice! Emmeli and her husband are Swedish and have spent a portion of their lives living in the US, while Rickard plays in the NHL.

 

In this episode we talk about:

 

• What it was like for Emmeli moving to the US, while hardly speaking English

 

• How isolating it can be to not have other people around who speak the same language as you

 

• What it has been like for her experiencing a new culture + new friends

 

• How she has changed her mindset in regards to this lifestyle

 

• Having a baby in the USA, as a Swede, and how things changed for her once she had kids in this lifestyle 

 

• Driving differences between USA + Europe and other hilarious culture differences between Europeans and Americans

and so much more!

 

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Haley Palve, wife of Oula Palve, who plays hockey in Tampere Finland, joins me on BTI and shares her personal journey with infertility and IVF with me. Throughout this episode, we dive into:

• What it was like experiencing infertility + how it affected her mental health
• What led her to choose the IVF route and the steps that she took to get there
• What she wishes she knew about IVF before she started the process
• Advice on how to support someone through IVF and what NOT to say to someone experiencing infertility
• Finding success with IVF + how she told her partner (via long distance!)
• Her pregnancy + how the healthcare has been in Finland!

 

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Haley's First Episode on BTI

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Other BTI episodes on IVF:

Her Journey with IVF with Sandra Szczechura

Our Fertility Journey: Miscarriages, IVF and Surrogacy with Terra O'Reilly

Never Give Up, a journey to motherhood with Jamie Machacek

 

Helpful Podcasts + Accounts to Follow!

Podcast: The Egg Whisperer Show Accounts: @the.fertilitydietitian @infertilityschool

 

Join me in this episode of real, authentic conversation with Laura Caggiula, wife of Drake Caggiula, who plays in the AHL for the Bakersfield Condors. If you're a mom or just curious about the challenges of motherhood in the hockey lifestyle with two children under two, this episode is just for you!

Laura and I share our experiences of raising two children under two in an open and honest dialogue.

Here are some highlights from our conversation

• The realities of motherhood and how to balance responsibilities
• Strategies for managing stress and self-care
• Our experiences with raising children in a fast-paced lifestyle
• The importance of community support and building a network 
• Nervous System Dysregulation
• Latching onto Schedules because it's the one thing we have control over
• Resentment 
• Hockey culture + how it shifts after having kids
• Game Day Routines with Two Under Two 

 

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Megan McIlvane, wife of Matt McIlvane, who is the head coach for the San Diego Gulls, joins me on the pod today for a much anticipated coach's wife episode!

 

In this episode we talk about SO much but to name a few: 

• Leaving her passion and career to move to Europe with her now husband
• Her take on whether coach's wives and player's wives should be friends
• The time commitment of a coach's wife
• A positive perspective on schedule of a hockey player
• The grey area of what the code is for including coach's wives
• How she would handle an iffy situation if one came about

AND BEYOND MORE! This conversation was so much fun to have and I hope you all enjoy!

 

Megan sits on the board of directors for a non-profit called Megan's Mission, named after an unbelievable girl who fought childhood cancer fearlessly. They are 100% volunteer based and have raised over 2 million for more up to date treatments and cures for childhood cancers. The hockey community is so great and any support would be greatly appreciated! Click here! www.instagram.com/megansmission

Dana Oleksuk, wife of Travis Oleksuk, who finished last season in Rosenheim in the Del3, joins me on the podcast for the third time! Our husbands played together in Austria for two hockey seasons and in this episode we caught up and updated each other on our lives.

In this episode we talk about: 

• Not having a contract this late in the year and what that looks like for each of us
• The possibility of retirement and how we each feel about it
• The day to day challenges of this position (living with family, lack of stability or not being able to plan anything)
• How we each would get our stuff back from overseas if we didn't go over
• Mental energy and how it takes so much out of you to have these same conversations every year with your significant other

Regardless of whether you have a contract or not, you will definitely be able to relate to this episode and I hope it brings some light into your week that you are not alone!

 

EPISODES WILL BE OUT TWICE A MONTH!

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Private FB Group for Coach's Wives/Staff Here

 

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Use the code ICE15 for 15% off their first month or if you sign up for the 6-month/annual subscription payment you can get 15% off the whole plan!   Dana's Website:   www.dofitnessco.com www.dofitnessco.com/membership 

 

 

Hi guys! I hope you all are having a nice summer at home. As always, I wanted to be open with you about some of the things that I have been struggling with postpartum this time around. I am so grateful that I have this safe space to share about my life and hope that I can help someone with this episode.

 

• How I was diagnosed with Postpartum OCD + Anxiety
• I talk about some of my triggers and how I have experienced "impending doom" and ruminating thoughts
• How my hypochondria has sky rocketed this time around and how I am overcoming it
• How I found a therapist that I LOVE
• How you're not crazy, it's the hormones

 

Some things that have helped me:

This podcast + this Instagram account has thoroughly helped me with this journey https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-hard-things/id1526993843

 

This episode specifically:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-hard-things/id1526993843?i=1000577362483 

Carli Husson is a spirit baby medium and energy healer that I had a session with a couple months before I conceived my daughter. I loved our session so much that I knew I HAD to have her on the podcast so here we are!

 

In this episode we chat about:

• What a spirit baby is
• How she started with this work and how her spiritual journey began 
• How she prepares for a reading 
• Signs from our spirit babies 
• Gender disappointment and how we should normalize it
• How everything is energy 
• How you can start the journey of connecting with your spirit baby 
• A mini spirit baby reading on me where Carli connects and tells me the gender of my last baby in the future!

 

Follow Carli on Instagram @matrescent.mama   Full list of offerings & to book a session: https://www.matrescentmama.com/offerings   More on SIGN, a 5-week Spirit Baby Group Immersion: https://www.matrescentmama.com/sign

 

Cheers to ONE HUNDRED Episodes of Breaking the Ice! It has been my absolute honor to be the host of this podcast and communicate with the amazing women in this community daily. In this episode I talk about:

 

• 100th episode + how there has been EIGHTY THOUSAND downloads since I started!
• Winning the championship + what the experience was like witnessing it in person
• How the starts aligned on the day of Game Six 
• Bridging the gap between coaches SO's + players SO's and how it leads to one word: Communication (and preferably at the beginning of the season!)
• Inclusion on Teams + Why this makes such a difference in your overall well being during the season
• + more!

Please SUBSCRIBE, RATE + REVIEW if you LOVE Breaking the Ice! It's the best way to show your support for my show!

Jackie Gendron, wife of Miles Gendron, who plays in the ECHL for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, joins me on Breaking the Ice today.

In this episode we chat about:

• TikTok and how Jackie grew her following majorly once she moved to Norway for her husband's job and started sharing about their day to day there
• How Jackie met her husband in high school and has traveled with him for 11 years
• Remote jobs: How to find a remote job, what it's like working North American hours in Europe
• Focusing on the positives of this lifestyle + how it can benefit you overall to not dwell on the negatives

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Maggie Kestner, wife of Josh Kestner, who plays for Rauma Lukko in Finland, joins me on Breaking the Ice today.

In this episode we chat about:

• Losing your identity in this lifestyle
• The challenges emotionally when isolated so far away from home
• The common misconceptions that people have about hockey
• Missing big life moments back home during the season
• Visa Issues
• Trying to get out of Russia right before the war started

and so much more!

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Emilie Blum, wife of Jonathon Blum, who plays for Red Bull Munich in the DEL, joins me for a long overdue episode of Breaking the Ice!

In this episode we talked about:

• The show, Hockey Wives, and how Emilie was cast for it
• One Year Contracts and the uncertainty of it
• Not having any control as a hockey wife
• Schooling for Kids Abroad
• How to make friends outside of hockey
• Transitioning from a house you love back home to a small apartment in Europe
• Mid-Season Burn Out
• Struggling with Mental Health during the hockey season and how going on anti depressants are okay

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Tara Kampfer, wife of Steven Kampfer, joins me on Breaking the Ice today.

  In this episode, we talk about:

• Her experience going on The Bachelor ABC and all the behind the scenes details
• How she felt watching herself back on tv 
• How she met her husband and moving around in this hockey life
• Living in Russia and playing in the KHL during COVID
• The war in Russia + Brittney Griner

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Alyssa Flynn, wife of Brian Flynn, who finished his last professional season in the AHL with the Utica Comets joins me for todays episode of Breaking the Ice.

In this episode we talk about:

• Self Care for Moms
• How postpartum is not just the first three months after having a baby
• How to support a new mom postpartum in our lifestyle
• Pregnancy Loss Abroad
• The healing power of food
• Plant Based Nutrition

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Website for recipes, yoga, and motherhood: https://www.alyssakflynn.com/    YouTube Yoga & Meditation Videos: @alyssakflynn   Other stuff:   Yinova Center: Chinese medicine, acupuncture, women’s health & fertility specialists:  https://www.yinovacenter.com/   Thrive by Arianna Huffington    The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted https://www.amazon.com/China-Study-Comprehensive-Nutrition-Implications/dp/1941631568   Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof You Can Heal Yourself by Dr. Lissa Rankin (this book mentions the Roseto, PA community) https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Medicine-Scientific-Yourself/dp/1401939996   Postpartum Support International (including this just in case listeners don’t know about it!) https://www.postpartum.net/

Stefany Jenks, wife of AJ Jenks, who finished his last professional season in the ECHL playing for Fort Wayne Komets, joins me on Breaking the Ice to share all about their experience in the wild wild west, aka the ECHL.

In this episode, we chat about: 

 

• The unpredictability in minor league hockey and what it has taught her about herself
• Being ghosted by a team when it comes to resigning with them
• Friendships outside of the hockey life
• Motherhood
• How your priorities shift depending on which season of life you're in
• Retirement and the phases you go through when you retire
• The fear of both being unemployed when it comes to retirement
• Networking for our S/O post hockey life

 

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Buckle up, I’m ready to share my birth story! For those of you that have followed my pregnancy journey, my daughter was breech and I chose to have a scheduled c-section here in France. I share the highs and lows of my hospital experience, as always, UNFILTERED.

 

In this episode I talked about:

 

-The surgery + what it was like having a c-section

 

-My childcare falling through a few days before my scheduled c-section

 

-Being in the hospital alone and struggling with a major language barrier

 

-The differences between having a baby in Austria and France

 

-What I’ve learned and done differently as a second time mom: Advocating for myself in the hospital

 

-The last night with your toddler before the baby comes

 

-C-Section recovery + (with a toddler)

 

-The transition from 1-2 kids

 

& more!

 

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My last SOLO Episode leading up to my birth 

My European Birth Story in Austria

Layne Gibbons, wife of Kyle Gibbons, who plays in Val Gardena in the Alps Hockey League, joins me on BTI for the SECOND time. I felt we could all use a light hearted and funny conversation and I knew she was my go-to girl!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Visa Issues and Flying Super Late in our Pregnancies
• Finding Dog Sitters + Baby Sitters Abroad
• Funny Situations with Teams
• ALL THINGS POP CULTURE. Bravo, RHW, Vanderpump Rules, Kardashians, Ultimatum + Love is Blind, F***, Marry, Kill. You name it, we went there.

We hope this episode puts a smile on your face!

 

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Listen to our Episode on Friendships: A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime 

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