From Navy Life to Hockey Wife with Clarabelle Knyzhov

Oct 1, 2025
48 mins

Episode Description

This week, I’m joined by Clarabelle Knyzhov, wife of Nikolai Knyzhov, who plays for the Abbotsford Cannucks in the AHL. Clarabelle is a former Naval Flight Officer turned graduate student, whose story is nothing short of inspiring! From serving her country to navigating the unpredictable world of professional hockey alongside her Russian husband, Clarabelle opens up about discipline, identity, and the resilience it takes to thrive in both military and hockey life!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How military discipline prepared Clarabelle for the unpredictability of hockey life

  • Her perspective as a first-generation American and why she chose to serve in the Navy

  • Meeting her husband on Hinge and navigating years of long-distance

  • Early relationship challenges with international career decisions and Russia opportunities

  • Balancing two demanding careers and learning to compartmentalize stress

  • Breaking stereotypes about military women and hockey players
    and more!

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EPISODE SPONSORS:

Get 20% off your first Little Bipsy order with the code BREAKINGTHEICE20

Get 15% off Poppy and Pine with the code HOCKEY15 

 

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