This week, I’m joined by Clarabelle Knyzhov, wife of Nikolai Knyzhov, who plays for the Abbotsford Cannucks in the AHL. Clarabelle is a former Naval Flight Officer turned graduate student, whose story is nothing short of inspiring! From serving her country to navigating the unpredictable world of professional hockey alongside her Russian husband, Clarabelle opens up about discipline, identity, and the resilience it takes to thrive in both military and hockey life!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

How military discipline prepared Clarabelle for the unpredictability of hockey life

Her perspective as a first-generation American and why she chose to serve in the Navy

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

Early relationship challenges with international career decisions and Russia opportunities

Balancing two demanding careers and learning to compartmentalize stress

Breaking stereotypes about military women and hockey players

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