Lauren Kyle, the wife of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, has spoken candidly about the misconceptions and pressures tied to being married to a professional hockey player. With the Oilers currently trailing the Stanley Cup series 3-2 against the Florida Panthers, Lauren and the wives and girlfriends of other players are preparing to support the team as Game 6 approaches on Tuesday.
Lauren has created a supportive atmosphere at Bar Trove, her recently opened business in Edmonton, where she plans to watch the upcoming crucial game alongside other Oilers’ partners. She highlighted how spending time with fellow hockey wives helps her manage the public pressure and emotional strain of their unique roles.
Unveiling the Challenges Behind the Hockey Wife Label
Addressing common misunderstandings about life as a hockey wife, Lauren emphasized that the role is far from the simple narrative people often assume. Many believe it is an easy and glamorous life because of their husbands’ careers and earnings, but Lauren explained it comes with significant emotional challenges and stress that aren’t visible to outsiders.
“There’s misconceptions around being a hockey wife and that’s just an easy narrative for people to chime into. People assume that it’s really easy. Our husbands are playing hockey, making money,” Lauren Kyle said on Monday at her business.
“But it’s actually very difficult. There’s a lot of stress. There is such a strain on your family. People don’t know about the struggles that are on the inside … I just quiet that noise, because there’s a lot more positivity than negativity out there.”
Lauren also shared her personal game-day ritual that brings her comfort and continuity amid the intensity of the playoffs. She stands by the fireplace at Bar Trove, wearing the same heels and carrying her signature red handbag, the spot where she watched Connor score in Game 5.
How Lauren and Connor McDavid Recharge After Games
Following home games, Lauren and Connor McDavid find calm in their routine walks with their dog Leonard through Edmonton’s River Valley neighborhood. The couple completes a loop before returning home to relax, watch shows, and talk about the day’s events.
Their conversations focus on reviewing the game—the successes and mistakes—and how they can improve moving forward. Lauren explained how, despite their very different careers, the leadership principles they follow are similar and help them handle challenges together.
“We both are leaders in a sense. He’s a captain on his team. I manage different employees. And although our careers are so different, the principles are the same … Mistakes are great. They expose gaps. And then you work on constantly improving and finding gaps.”
Looking beyond the Stanley Cup finals, Lauren said she and Connor are eager to enjoy a more typical summer. Their plans include attending weddings, relaxing at their Muskoka cottage, and spending quality time with friends, anticipating a break from the intense spotlight of playoff hockey.