The Mental Toll of Hockey with Maggie Kestner

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  

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

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 and more! Follow the Podcast on Instagram! Follow Clarabelle 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   

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

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

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 

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

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

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  

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