Breaking the Ice

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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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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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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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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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)

Listen to my Solo Minisode on Postpartum OCD 

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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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In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Noureen DeWulf shares her evolution as both an individual and a partner in the world of pro hockey. Married to retired NHL player Ryan Miller, who finished is career playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Noureen shares the realities of navigating change, supporting a partner’s high-pressure career while maintaining her own. Noureen is also a hilarious actress and you may recognize her from Anger Management, Good Girls and many other shows and movies! 

We chat about:

• Hockey Wife Realities: Balancing moves, long-distance dynamics, and a thriving career.
• Retirement Challenges: How their family found new purpose and stability after Ryan’s NHL retirement.
• Parenting: Noureen’s reflections on supporting each other and embracing family life.

+ so much more! <3 

 

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This week is a solo episode with your host and we’re diving into what it’s like to navigate the holiday season as a hockey family! From festive traditions to the unique challenges of being away from home, I'm unpacking all the feels and finding ways to make the season special.

In this episode I talk about: 

• The highs and lows of being away during the holidays 🌟
• Heartwarming traditions to keep the holiday spirit alive 🎄
• Navigating friendships in the hockey community 💌
• Motherhood, family balance, and juggling it all

Grab your coffee, and join me for this cozy and relatable conversation. You don’t want to miss it!

 

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Past Episodes on Friendships:

Friendships: A Reason, Season or Lifetime with Layne Gibbons 

Inclusion, Debunking Stereotypes and People Pleasing with Madison Marshall 

 

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Courtlyn Fazakas, girlfriend of Brett Ferguson, who plays for the Guildford Flames in the EIHL, joins me on Breaking the Ice today! In this episode, she reflects on her journey from small-town life to navigating the perks and challenges of moving abroad with her partner and building a career and sense of purpose in a new country.

In this episode we chat about: 

• Shifting from corporate life to fitness and finding her passion.
• Adjusting to life as a hockey spouse, handling shared spaces, and making new friends.
•  Her experience with mental health and medication 
• Advice for starting your own business 

and so much more! Plug your headphones in and enjoy this episode!

 

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In this episode of Breaking the Ice, Rachel Novak, girlfriend of Michael Cichy, who plays for the Fife Flyers in the EIHL, joins me! Rachel and Michael have been in a long-distance relationship for over eight years. We dive into the challenges, lessons, and strategies of maintaining a strong relationship while apart, focusing on the unique struggles that come with the hockey lifestyle.

 

In this episode we talk about:

• The emotional rollercoaster of long-distance relationships.

• Managing communication with time zone differences and hockey’s unpredictable schedule.

• The impact of long-distance on mental health and anxiety.

• Practical strategies for maintaining trust and staying busy while apart.

 

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