In the dynamic world of professional sports, the spotlight often extends beyond athletes to encompass their families, and one of the most intriguing subcultures within the field is that of hockey players’ spouses.
Despite the significant contributions they make to the well-being and success of their partners, hockey players’ wives sometimes find themselves confronted with prejudice and unfair stereotypes.
However, these women, like anyone else, have dreams, careers, and individual identities that extend beyond the confines of their spouses’ professions.
“We are girls like everyone else, very simple, we have a job, we have a family life and family values,” says Frédérike Bédard, spouse of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, in an interview with TVA Nouvelles. “I think it’s important that people are aware of that and understand that we’re not here for the wrong reasons.”
Their lives involve navigating the challenges of frequent moves, long periods of separation, and the emotional roller coaster of victories and defeats.
“These are athletes who have a routine, who have morning workouts and [qui] in the evening they often have “parties,” says Emma Fortin, Brendan Gallagher’s fiancée. “They’re always on the road, so it’s important to have our own activities too.”
Frédérike worked for the DPJ du Saguenay and has worked for 4 years as a specialized educator in a school. For her part, Emma is a doctoral candidate in marketing at HEC.
Involved in their community
It is essential to recognize that these women are not simply spectators on the sidelines, but full members of a tight-knit community.
Moreover, the two young women are involved in the Carrefour Foundation, an organization which helps victims of domestic violence.
“Women in need, who experience situations like this, it’s unfair and they need support,” says Emma. “I find it incredible that great organizations like this exist, everyone should be more interested in that.”
Build strong bonds
However, these experiences also forge strong bonds within the community of female hockey players, creating a network of support and understanding that transcends the sport itself.
“We are all in the same boat, we are sometimes alone, so having dinners together to get together helps,” says Frédérike.
“There were four of us who got engaged this summer, so we organized a weekend in New York to celebrate together,” says Emma, who got engaged to Brendan Gallagher on July 7.
Breaking stereotypes
Their commitment and unwavering support contribute significantly to the professional success of their spouses. However, it is equally crucial to break harmful stereotypes and recognize the diversity of individual aspirations within this community.
“It’s an incredible life, in the sense that there are always matches,” says Frédérike. “We don’t stop, our life goes on when the guys are outside.”
