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

Mar 24, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Stepping In to the World of Football with More Than A Season Podcast (Brittany Labbe & Ashley Cramer)
Brittany Labbe, girlfriend of Drew Hollingshead and Ashley Cramer, wife of Carson Cramer, join me on the podcast today! Brittany and Ashley are the hosts of More Than A Season Podcast and are both significant others of two of the football coaches at Mississippi State. In this episode, we step outside of the hockey world and in to the world of football. We learn a little about each of them, how the two of them met, what it's like being a coaches wife, pandemic life and how it affected the football season and all about their podcast! I absolutely loved chatting with these two and make sure to check out their podcast! I will be a guest on their podcast on March 31st and taking over their Instagram page on April 1st. www.instagram.com/morethanaseasonpodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-season/id1517887557
Mar 17, 2021 · 55 min
It‘s Okay to Not be Okay with Whitney McParland
Whitney McParland, girlfriend of Kyle Wood, defenseman in the del2 in Frankfurt, joins me on the podcast today! In this episode, Whitney talks about hockey trades & how it affects your life and relationship and how it is hard to remain positive and optimistic sometimes. Vulnerability is a such a huge strength and Whitney opened up about a few challenging experiences in her life, including a tough time in her relationship and personal health problems that she went through. She talks about how you have to keep advocating for yourself when you know something is wrong. This episode is really inspiring, relatable & pure. Whitney shares the importance of really good friends, family, a job and becoming thankful for the things you do have, rather than the things you don't. Enjoy! Xo
Mar 10, 2021 · 43 min
Part Two: The Bridge Between Two Worlds with Jaime Zajac
This is part two of last weeks episode with Jaime Zajac. In this episode, Jaime starts off by doing a collective reading for our hockey community. She talks about what a collective reading is and how you can apply it to your life! She also did a mini reading on me and it was amazing. My grandmother came through, who passed away in August and we both got emotional! Enjoy part two of this episode! www.jaimezajac.com
Mar 3, 2021 · 56 min
The Bridge Between Two Worlds with Jaime Zajac
Jaime Zajac, wife of Darcy Zajac, joins me on the podcast today. Jaime is an intuitive channel, spiritual guide, healer and mentor. I knew we would chat forever so this is going to be a two part episode (Part 2 coming out next week). In this episode, I asked Jaime a million questions because I find this so fascinating. She tells me all about how she began her journey as an intuitive guide and some of the signs and synchroncities that started happening to her. We chat about spirit babies, how you choose your family in each lifetime, soul contracts and we talk about energetic boundaries. We talk about some psychics we each have seen and how it's important to go to someone who you trust! I could honestly talk to her all day long! This episode was SO much fun and I hope you enjoy! RESOURCES: www.instagram.com/breakingtheicepod www.jaimezajac.com
Feb 24, 2021 · 1 hr 7 min
Show up for the things that make you feel good with Danielle Shugg
Danielle Shugg, wife to Justin Shugg, forward for Frederikshavn White Hawks in Denmark, joins me on the podcast today! If you follow Danielle's account on Instagram, @themindfulblonde , you already know she is such a wonderful light. She is a holistic health coach, yoga instructor and self-care enthusiast! In this episode, Danielle opens up about some of the struggles she has faced and some health issues that wound up leading her to where she is at now in her life. Danielle maintains a daily meditation routine and we chat about how manifestation and meditation go hand in hand. We also chat about what it has been like for her in Denmark this year, practicing mindfulness with her daughter, and more! I definitely needed to hear this episode this week because she is truly inspiring and lives by the mantra "Show up for the things that make you feel good!" Enjoy! Xo Danielle's Website: https://www.themindfulblonde.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/themindfulblonde Dr. Joe Dispenza https://drjoedispenza.com/
Feb 17, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Friendships: A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime with Layne Gibbons
Layne Gibbons, wife of Kyle Gibbons, forward in Rosenheim, Germany, joins me on the podcast today. We are talking about friendship and I truly loved this episode so much! Honestly, this isn't something many people talk about and friendship in this lifestyle is SO rewarding but also comes with many challenges. We chat about long distance friendships, friendships back home, in this lifestyle, confrontation, feeling left out and how important it is to reach out to other girls. But we also talk about how when you move around, you aren't necessarily meeting your hockey friends organically, which can be challenging. You aren't always going to be everyone's cup of tea and not everyone is going to be yours. AND THAT IS NORMAL! However, I know SO many of us meet our lifelong friends through this life. At the end of the day, it becomes apparent who continues to show up for you. And can we please talk about how couple friends are SO underrated?! It's the BEST. THING. EVER! Go for a nice long walk & enjoy this episode! Xo
Feb 10, 2021 · 1 hr 15 min
Having a Game Plan for Retirement with Andrea Hanson
Andrea Hanson, wife of Greger Hanson, who retired in 2019 with the Krefeld Pinguine in the DEL, joins me on the podcast today. We talk about how having game plan for retirement is important and can help take some of the stress of your shoulders when that time comes. Andrea shares her experience on how her & her husband built their resumes. We chat internships, financial planning, how to address the unemployment gaps in your work experience and more. Tune in for this episode if retirement is in your near future or if this is something you'd like to start preparing for!
Feb 3, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Give Yourself Grace with Clarity Engel
Clarity Engel, engaged to Mason Geertsen, forward for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, joins me today on the podcast. Clarity & I recorded this episode back in November and I am excited to finally release it! Clarity is American & her fiancé is Canadian so of course, we chat about what that has been like for them from last season up until recently, where they had to spend several months apart (Can anyone relate?) We also chat about working in this lifestyle (why it's hard to find jobs in cities where you don't have connections) mental health, how to deal with negativity, habits to start your day off right, social media struggles and more! I've been reading so much about what is happening in Canada right now and I hope this episode is a little escape for you in your week. Xoxo
Jan 27, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min
Livin‘ La Vida Lockdown with Blaire Broda and Dana Oleksuk
Blaire Broda, wife of Joel Broda and Dana Oleksuk, wife of Travis Olekusk, join me on the pod today. The three of us are currently living in Graz, Austria this hockey season and we had an unfiltered episode about everything going on right now. We talk about quarantine, COVID, lockdown, going stir crazy and some of the struggles we are feeling. We chat about what it's like going through this weird time with kids (everything being closed down and cooped up in the apartment) and how this hockey season is just plain bizarre. It is really challenging when you don't have anything to look forward to, including season breaks and having family come out to visit. I hope this episode brings you a sense of collectiveness that you ARE NOT alone going through these hard times.
Jan 20, 2021 · 50 min
My European Birth Story with Devyn Dodero
Welcome back to the podcast & Happy 2021! Today is an episode by yours truly, me! I had nothing planned or written down for this episode because I wanted to give an authentic version and take you back in time with me. I start off by going back six weeks before my due date and talk about what happened with my husband, the team and covid. Fast forward to how my labor started and the signs I was feeling before it did. I share with you the great TMI about how my water was leaking and how I had to be induced immediately. Fun Fact: My husband was driving around with a turkey in the front seat when I got admitted to the hospital....to say we were not prepared is an understatement #thanksgivingbaby I also share what happened with my epideral, how I dilated from a 2 to a 10 in 2 1/2 hours and answer ALL your burning questions. I talk about postpartum essentials and what it has been like having a baby during a pandemic. All in all, it has been an absolutely insane time but I couldn't be more blessed to have by beautiful baby, Crosby, earthside. It has been worth all the hard moments. Buckle up and don't mind my F bombs.
Dec 9, 2020 · 1 hr 8 min
A Virtual Coffee Date with Jillian Cannata
Jillian Cannata, wife of Joe Cannata, who plays in Oskarshamn, Sweden in the SHL, joins me on the podcast today. This conversation to me felt like we were hanging out in a coffee shop and sharing stories. Jill & I are able to relate on so many levels, and a big one being...pregnancy! We actually recorded this episode on election day and the weight of the world was feeling heavy. We talked about some of the struggles that come with this lifestyle (which is important to talk about so you know you aren't feeling this alone!), including how it's sometimes not so easy to find things for yourself and how it's normal to struggle to find balance in your relationship. We talk about dogs (and how fun it is being woken up in the middle of the night by your large husband and your dog most likely waking up the entire apartment complex.) It's crazy to think how much of an impact these animals will make on our hearts, going through this hockey life with us. We also talk about how Jill & Joe's niece got diagnosed & beat stage 4 cancer, while they were away from family. She talks about how it has shaped their perspective and changed their outlook on life. Grab your coffee & enjoy!
Dec 2, 2020 · 1 hr 6 min
Life in China with Alannah Liem
Alannah Liem, wife of Jordan Liem, who played the last three years in China in the VHL, joins me on the podcast! This was such a fun & interesting episode for me because I have never sat down and chatted with a fellow hockey wife about life in China! Given what is happening in the world with COVID, Alannah was in the middle of it in China and talks about what her experience was like getting home and hearing about it for the first time. She also tells me some hilarious stories about life in China including hotel living, shopping in back alleys, doing laundry in the tub and not having a kitchen! Life in china has meant years of tremendous personal growth for Alannah and she handles the set backs with humor. I loved this conversation and I hope you do too! :)
Nov 25, 2020 · 56 min
Trust the timing of your life with Natasha Bell
Natasha Bell, wife to Mark Bell, who spent years in the NHL & AHL but spent the last few years of his career in Germany, joins me on the podcast today! I knew I wanted to have Natasha on my podcast after following her on Instagram for quite awhile. She is so inspiring and has such a positive aura around her. Natasha is a wife, a mom, health coach and an entrepreneur! In this episode we cover so much ground but to name a few we chat about trusting the process, identifying what you need in whatever season of life you're in, learning to say no, her favorite things to bring on her carry on and some healthy habits to bring with you into the holiday season. This is an amazing episode for women everywhere, whether you are in the hockey lifestyle or not! natashabell.com (monthly email love note + new blog post) IG + FB @natashabell.co littleicetribe.com @littleicetribe (they can get on the mailing list to know when our shop is re-opened!!!) 3 free months in The Thrive Society membership space for our hockey fam! This link shares more about what The Thrive Society is all about >>> https://natashabell.mykajabi.com/the-thrive-society To claim the 3 free months they need to click these two links (they never have to do more than the 3 month trial and can cancel at any time) 3 free months + monthly >>> https://natashabell.mykajabi.com/offers/FZMqXG65 3 free months + annual >>> https://natashabell.mykajabi.com/offers/ow8uiMDq
Nov 18, 2020 · 1 hr 2 min
Making the move to Sweden with Haley Ferguson
Haley Ferguson, girlfriend of Oula Palve, who plays in the SHL in Linköping, Sweden, joins me on the podcast today! If you follow the bachelor franchise, you may recognize her and her identical twin sister from a few of the shows. Haley and her boyfriend started dating a few months before COVID hit and they wound up quarantining together in Las Vegas. She talks about what that time was like for her and how it benefited their relationship in the long run. After living in Vegas most of her life and being separated for four months due to the US travel ban, Haley finally made the move to Linköping, Sweden! (Their first time living together & her first time living in Europe) Of course, we had to talk about the nerves, excitement, a couple of essentials to bring & what to expects! She has such a positive attitude and an open mind going into this new adventure and I absolutely loved talking to her!
Nov 11, 2020 · 55 min
The Denim Blonde with Lauren Melkus
Today I am joined on the podcast by Lauren Melkus! Lauren is the owner and designer of the brand "The Denim Blonde." The Denim Blonde began as a brand for bridal wear but within the past year expanded to sports wives and girlfriends. Lauren is so creative and is so passionate about what she does! Lauren and her boyfriend, Tim Boyle, did several years of long distance but he is now retired and the wait is over! In this episode, we talk about her time in the hockey world, we chat & laugh about how the guys never know anything that is going on, including team parties, and of course all things THE DENIM BLONDE! Make sure to check out Lauren on instagram www.instagram.com/thedenimblonde www.thedenimblonde.com
Nov 4, 2020 · 1 hr 14 min
Being the new kid with Brittany English
Brittany English joins me today on the podcast! Brittany and her husband (she revealed on the podcast THEY GOT MARRIED, so happy for her!) have been the “new kids” on the teams several times. Even though she is super social and outgoing, she admits it is still nerve racking going somewhere new and she shares some great advice on what works for her. Her husband, Scott Wedgewood, is also a goalie and she tells us what it is like being married to a goalie and how it is different than the other positions. (She may low key wish he was a different position but is so proud of him and his hard work ethic). Lastly, we chat ALL about WINNING THE STANLEY CUP! She shares all the deets about what actually went on with families being allowed in the bubble and why the girls all stuck by each other and chose to watch the finals back in Tampa. We talk about all of the post season festivities and what it was like being apart of this once in a lifetime experience
Oct 28, 2020 · 1 hr 16 min
Connection through Community with Amy Johner
Amy Johner, creator of our private Facebook group joins me on the podcast today! Amy created this group years and years ago because she felt that it was so needed for our community. She talks about the importance of connecting with other girls in our lifestyle because they really do become your family for the season. What would we do without our hockey girls?! Amy and her husband started dating before there were cell phones! We talk about the 90's and early 2000's and how far technology has come since then (thank god for us living away from friends & family!) They did long distance for so many years before making the move to Europe. We chat about culture shock, some of the traditions North Americans bring over, her experiences overseas and her family navigating their new journey of retirement. Amy recently started her own photography business and I can't wait to see it grow! Side bar: Our private Facebook group is not searchable. It is for significant others of professional hockey players and you have to be added into it by another member in the group. Please reach out to another girlfriend or wife on the team if you would like to be added!
Oct 21, 2020 · 1 hr 13 min
The truth about your period: Cycle Syncing, Hormones & Birth Control with Alaina Cross
Alaina Cross, wife of Tommy Cross, who plays for the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, joins me on the podcast today! Alaina and her sisters own Balanced Beyars Health and their mission as health coaches is to help women live life in alignment to their cycles. In this episode, we talk about how most of us grow up misinformed about our bodies due to the lack of education and all studies being done on men. She talks about cycle syncing, the four phases of our cycle and how we should eat & exercise during each phase. We talk about hormone imbalances, birth control and SO much more. Alaina breaks down so much information used analogies that actually made sense for me to remember this info! This is such an interesting episode and I truly learned more about how our cycles work in the hour that we talked than I have throughout my life! P.S. The best time to go to a hockey game is during the first half of your cycle in The Follicular and Ovulatory Phases. Your energy is going to be high here and you'll feel more outgoing & upbeat, which is perfect for enjoying the game with other girls. Check out Alaina's business here https://www.balancedbeyars.com/ and use the code: breakingtheice for 10% off their POP (Power of Periodization) program. PAY IN FULL https://www.balancedbeyars.com/offers/tzr7zphv?coupon_code=BREAKINGTHEICE PAY 3-MONTHLY PAYMENTS https://www.balancedbeyars.com/offers/VdwDtJGw?coupon_code=BREAKINGTHEICE You can also find them on Instagram www.instagram.com/balancedbeyars
Oct 14, 2020 · 1 hr 3 min
Different cultures, hilarious adventures & goldendoodles with Shelby Versteeg
Shelby Versteeg, wife of Mitch Versteeg, joins me on the podcast today! Mitch finished last season in HK Nitra in Slovakia and when COVID hit, their plans for this season changed. They have had a bit of a longer summer and have felt the stress of waiting for a contract but making the best of the extra time as a family! Shelby told me some stories that literally had me in tears. She shares about her experience having her son, Sem, in Slovakia and getting their goldendoodle, Henry, in Japan. We also talk a lot about the different cultures in the cities they have played in. If you want to feel like we are all sitting in a coffee shop together swapping expat stories, you'll want to tune in for this one! :)
Oct 7, 2020 · 1 hr 5 min
From player‘s wife to coach‘s wife with Meg Graham & Kayla Sheen
Today Meg Graham, wife of Neil Graham, who coach's the Texas Stars in the AHL and Kayla Sheen, wife of Everett Sheen, who coach's the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL join me on the podcast today! Throughout me and my husband's time in Idaho (off & on for 5 years) and all three of us living there for the off season, I am grateful to have been able to form relationships with these amazing ladies. It was so fun to catch up and has been a blast for us to see each other go through new life changes over the years; marriage, babies, more babies and seeing where this crazy hockey life takes us. In this episode, we talk about the differences between being a player's wife vs. a coach's wife, how their husbands got in to coaching, what their day to day looks like, as well as this past season with covid and more!