Breaking the Ice

breakingtheicepod

Breaking the Ice is the podcast sharing the real stories behind life in professional hockey!

Each week, you'll hear honest conversations with hockey wives, girlfriends, coaches' wives, and the women who navigate the unique realities of this lifestyle. From moving across the world and raising families to marriage, motherhood, identity, mental health, and everything in between, these are the conversations that happen beyond the rink.

Whether you're living the hockey life yourself or simply curious about the people behind the game, welcome to our community!

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139 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes139

Newest first

July 29 · 1 hr 9 min
Identity, Burnout and Building Chapter Two with Lauren Pronger
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. Follow Lauren Pronger on Instagram + her website! Check out Well Inspired Travels Grab your copy of Laurens Book! Episode Sponsors ✨ Rents4Baby – Make traveling with little ones easier. Use code ICE10 for 10% off your rental. 🥕 Thrive Market – Stock up on healthy groceries and household essentials delivered right to your door. Get 40% off your first box!
July 15 · 1 hr 7 min
Say Yes to Europe with Rachael Czarnik
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. Follow me on Instagram Follow Rachael on Instagram! Get $30 OFF your first Nuuly Order! My LinkTree
June 17 · 1 hr 11 min
Behind the Net: Lumberyard Edition with Brittany Wedgewood
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! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram Follow Brittany on Instagram Get 40% off VIOLENT GENTLEMAN women and children's collection with the code BREAKING40
May 6 · 50 min
Mental Health, Uncertainty and Hockey Life BTS with Jordan Laine
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 Get 20% off your Violent Gentlemen order with the code BREAKING20 Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow Jordan on Instagram and Youtube Support Jordan and Patrik's Non Profit: From Us to You Mental Health Resources
April 22 · 1 hr 9 min
You Can Do Hard Things with Carley Carrick
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! Get 20% OFF Your VIOLENT GENTLEMEN ORDER with the code BREAKING20 at check out! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram
April 1 · 1 hr 14 min
When The Hockey Life Stops Feeling Like a Dream with Elle Mingoia
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! Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow Elle on Instagram Support Elle's business/follow on Instagram: Peach Lab Charleston LINKS: Get 35% off your first BEAM order with the code ICE Get 15% off your first NUULY order!
February 18 · 1 hr
Say Yes to the Adventures with Yakira Gill
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! Follow me on Instagram Follow Yakira on Instagram Get 35% off your first BEAM order with the code ice Get 15% off your first NUULY order
February 4 · 54 min
Goodbye Europe, Hello North America....Again with Devyn Dodero
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 Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram
January 7 · 50 min
Navigating Unpredictability, 3 under 3, and What Really Matters in the Hockey World with Caitlyn Mantha
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! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram Follow Caitlyn on Instagram Get 10% off your TELETIES order
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Viva Las Vegas with Mariana Theodore
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! Follow the Podcast on Instagram Follow Mariana on Instagram Use Rents4Baby next time you travel (Code ICE10 for 10% off your order) Get Game Day Ready with JEOVERSEAS
Nov 19, 2025 · 59 min
The Mental Load of Hockey Motherhood with The Mama Psychologists
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! Follow my page on Instagram Get 20% off your first Little Bipsy Order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20
Oct 1, 2025 · 48 min
From Navy Life to Hockey Wife
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! Follow the Podcast on Instagram! EPISODE SPONSORS: Get 20% off your first Little Bipsy order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20 Get 15% off Poppy and Pine with the code HOCKEY15
Sep 3, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Find What Works for You with Lauren Rodych-Eberle
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! Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram Shop Little Bipsy and Get 20% Off Your First Order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20 Get 40% off at Cozy Earth with the code ICE40 Follow Lauren on Instagram Follow Sticks and Strings Foundation Contribute to their Foundation
Aug 13, 2025 · 44 min
Building Community, Career and Roots in Nashville with Erin Forsberg
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! Follow my podcast on Instagram Follow Erin on Instagram Get 40% off your Cozy Earth Order with the code ICE40 $15 off ANY Zoe Stroller
Jul 16, 2025 · 49 min
Retiring from European Hockey with Kayla Alber
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. Get 40% off your Cozy Earth order with the code ICE40, the softest bedding you'll ever own just got even better. Follow Breaking the Ice on Instagram Follow Kayla on Instagram Past Episode with Kayla
Jun 25, 2025 · 52 min
Balancing Career Dreams and Hockey Life with Kat Ellis
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: This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth makers of premium bamboo bedding and loungewear designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and well rested. I’ve personally been loving their pajamas and sheets, they truly live up to the hype. Use code ICE40 for 40% off your order at cozyearth.com Breaking the Ice on IGKatherine Ellis on IG Watch Out of Her League on Youtube
Jun 4, 2025 · 48 min
Behind the Stanley Cup Finals: Goalie Wife Life with Chloe Skinner
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 Follow Chloe on Instagram SPONSORS: 🍼 Rents4Baby – Baby gear rentals delivered straight to your destination in 32+ states. No more packing cribs or borrowing strollers. Use code ICE for 10% off rents4baby.com 💛 Nemah – Clean, intentional skincare for postpartum moms. I use their scar treatment on my C-section scar and truly love it. Use code ICE for 10% off nemah.com
May 21, 2025 · 1 hr
3 Under 2, Cup Wins & Calgary Life with Marissa Lomberg
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. Follow the Podcast on Instagram Follow Marissa on Instagram Get $10 off your Freshly Picked Bag $50 off Manly Bands
May 7, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Hockey Life, IVF and Drake the Pup Star with Madison Provorov
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: Olive & June makes clean, salon-quality nail care that brings the mani magic home because who has time to sit in a nail salon during season? Use code ICE20 for 20% off your first Olive & June system at oliveandjune.com/ICE20 BinkyBro makes cool, beach-to-streetwear for your little ones—perfect for travel days, park hangs, or just being the best-dressed kid in the room. Check them out at binkybro.com Zoe makes lightweight, travel-friendly strollers that actually fit in overhead bins. If you’re juggling hockey gear and kids, this is the stroller for you. → $15 off any stroller here If you're listening today, share to your story and tag @breakingtheicepod Follow Madison on Instagram and her dog Drake The Pup Star on Instagram Drake the Pupstar on TikTok
Apr 16, 2025 · 50 min
Balancing Hockey, Family, and Finding Stability with Whitney Kaskisuo
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! Follow me on Instagram Get 40% off of THRIVE MARKET Get $15 off ZOE STROLLERS Follow Whitney Kaskisuo on Instagram Follow Whitney on TikTok