Breaking the Ice

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:

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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.

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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.

 

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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

 

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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!

 

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NHL to Switzerland, Raising Babies + Navigating Friendships with Kris Mueller

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.

• Tune in to hear us chat about:
• The transition from the NHL to playing in Europe
•  Building a home and raising kids in Switzerland
• The cultural differences in parenting abroad
• Navigating friendships and social circles in a new country
• How to find your people when life is always changing

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to find their footing in this lifestyle.

 

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How to Thrive in a Foreign Country with Cheryl Rosa

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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Injuries, Retirement and Immigration Law with Jessica Corrado

Jessica Corrado, wife of Frank Corrado, joins me on Breaking the Ice.

 

We're chatting:

• Ups and Downs between the AHL and NHL
• The impact that injuries can have and the emotional toll it can take
• Transitioning to a new career after retirement 
• Motherhood and being a twin mom
• Navigating the immigration process for Canadian and American couples

 

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Navigating the January Blues with Maggie Kestner

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:

• January Blues--why this month is hard for most hockey families
• Battling loneliness, OCD + Mental Health Struggles, and the desire for independence
• The challenges of feeling like you don't have much control of your life
• What can impact your experiences + happiness during the season
• We chat about how we were both interviewed for a Netflix Docuseries on Hockey Wives + what our thoughts are on how it went down + what we think about it all!

+ more! This is a MUST listen. 

 

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

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Holding On Through Hockey’s Highs and Lows with Ashley Booth

In this episode, I am joined by the Ashley Booth, wife of professional hockey player David Booth, who plays this year in the Erste Liga. Ashley shares her powerful story of navigating so many seasons in professional hockey (never on the same team twice) and moving between teams and countries. From raising children abroad to enduring personal loss, Ashley opens up about her journey with vulnerability and strength.

 

We chat about:

• Moving teams every year and adapting to new cultures.
• The unique experience of raising children abroad.
• Navigating personal loss during playoff finals last season
• Finding strength through faith during life’s toughest moments.
• Reflecting on resilience and the ability to handle more than you think you can.

Tune in for an honest and deeply inspiring conversation with Ashley Booth!

 

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