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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52:48
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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48:42
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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1:00:34
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:
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1:01:49
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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Breaking the Ice is a platform created for wives and girlfriends of professional hockey players but has since turned into so much more! We share our stories, our passions, our tips, tricks, do’s and dont‘s for all things hockey and SO much more. Whether you‘re a hockey parent, an athlete, a significant other in the sports world or a person who enjoys podcast, you‘ll be inspired by these women every single day. So lace em‘ up and tune in for a new episode every Wednesday!
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