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.

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.

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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.

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:

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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:

+ more! This is a MUST listen. 

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Listen to our first episode together (The Mental Toll of Hockey)

Listen to my Solo Minisode on Postpartum OCD 

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