Summer Hockey Series: Q&A with Marie-Andrée Gourde
If you were following my blog last summer, you’ll know that I interviewed a few NHL wives about hockey life during quarantine. Seeing as the Canadiens will be playing the Tampa Bay Lightning in the FINALS, I thought I’d repost the Q&A I did with Marie-Andrée Gourde, wife of Yanni Gourde. At this time last year, the players were in the bubble and each hockey wife and family were handling it in their own way. I really enjoyed getting to know Marie better!
Talk about an adorable family! This week’s hockey wife interview is with Marie-Andrée Gourde, the beautiful wife of Tampa Bay Lightning player, Yanni Gourde. Marie and Yanni have a sweet little girl, Emma, and a beautiful dog, Savi! Below you will learn what she loves most when Yanni is away, her decision about entering the bubble and what she is currently binging on Netflix!
THE HOCKEY BUBBLE, WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR FAMILY? ARE YOU IN THE BUBBLE? ARE YOU PLANNING ON ENTERING THE BUBBLE? IF SO, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE PROCESS?
Unfortunately, the bubble hasn’t been what we thought it was going to be. We were told that families were going to be included for the conference final, but the process was so hard, making it nearly impossible for us to go. From getting tested every other day before leaving to not knowing when/if (including kids), staying in a room for 5 days straight once there (imagine that with kids), protocol being so strict in the bubble and mostly not allowing American and European families. As a team, we decided to stand together and not go. If not all of us can go, then no one is going. We’re a package deal! Instead, if we make it to the finals (knock on wood), we are all flying down to Tampa to experience it together. It’s such a special time and it’s hard for us not to be a part of it, but we all want to be together and support each other and our team.
IS THERE SOMETHING YOU LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN THE GUYS ARE GONE? (LESS COOKING, HAVING THE BED TO YOURSELF, ETC.)
Yes, absolutely! When the guys are gone it’s “me time”. I look forward to not cooking and ordering from my favorite place 3 times in a row, catching up on my shows, cleaning the house, going to my appointments, etc. Also, when the boys are gone the girls always get together to watch the away games and we plan fun stuff to do during the day to make sure we stay busy (especially if it’s a long road trip) which is always so much fun. We have an awesome group of girls down in Tampa! Then, after only a couple days, I’m always like “I miss you already, can’t wait for you to be back” haha!
WE HAVE A FALL SEASON WITH NO HOCKEY, WHAT WILL THAT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU GUYS? GO BACK TO MONTREAL? ANY PLANS?
This is going to be a first! Our plan is to go back to Quebec for sure, enjoy our house up here and see our families and friends… as much as COVID will allow it. Fall is my favorite season and since we always leave for Florida around the end of August, I never get to experience it. So, I really look forward to cozying up, going apple picking, eating some fondue and mostly enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful colours around here!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF QUARANTINE WITH YOUR HUBBY?
My favourite part was definitely having Yanni home. Their schedule during the season is so crazy busy. Being in Florida is great for so many reasons, but one of the downsides is how far we are from all the other teams, which means every away game is basically a week road trip, haha! So, Emma and I were super excited to have him home with us 24/7. We had so much fun just spending time as a family, watching movies, going rollerblading, making homemade pizza, etc. Yanni also became a swim instructor for our 2 y/o as well as a “builder” (who knew he had that in him). He made a booth for our breakfast nook and an accent wall in Emma’s bedroom, just to name a few. He definitely kept busy, haha!
HOW HAS THE HUBBY HANDLED THE BUBBLE SO FAR? DID HE BRING VIDEO GAMES ALONG OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO STAY BUSY IN THE HOTEL?
So far, he’s doing ok, haha! I don’t think they could do an entire season like that, to be honest, but the boys find ways to stay busy. Every time I call him he’s either playing cards or, when they were in the Toronto bubble, playing tennis! I admire them a lot though, there’s no way I would be able to do what they are doing right now, not being able to leave the hotel, not seeing your family for so long, always eating the same food - and I also admire the girls back home taking care of the entire family and basically being single moms. It’s a big sacrifice for everyone.
HOW ARE YOU WATCHING THE GAMES? A NERVOUS WRECK? COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED?
I’ve been watching these playoffs at home with my family and I bring all my superstitions with me. Everyone has to wear something of the Lightning during the game and we all sit in the same spots, haha! I might look calm and collected from the outside, but inside it’s a whole different story! You will also catch me screaming some random French word at the TV once in awhile.
IF YOU HAVE 30 MINUTES FREE, WHAT CAN WE FIND YOU DOING?
If I have 30 minutes free, I am for sure FaceTiming someone, haha! Mostly my mom or sister, it’s hard being away from them during the season, so any excuse to give them a call!
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM A FELLOW HOCKEY WIFE?
The hockey world is such a great and loving community and you get to meet so many amazing women. I think the best advice I was given was just to enjoy it all. You never know how long you’ll be in this world and it doesn’t last forever, so enjoy every bit of it!
FIVE THINGS YOU ARE LOVING RIGHT NOW
The Home Edit on Netflix; I am obsessed with Clea & Joanna and what they do! If you are an organization freak, this is for you!
In Five Years book; I love a good book and this one was one of my favourite this year!
My Peloton; Why didn't I get one sooner?
My new Miele coffee machine; how many coffees a day is too many?
The videos of dads and husbands around the league coming back home from the bubbles; it melts my heart!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE CITY YOUR HUBBY PLAYS IN?
So many things to love about Tampa! A beautiful city by the water with almost no traffic and the vibe there is just unreal, you can’t be in a bad mood driving down Bayshore Boulevard. Also, the fans and the atmosphere at Amalie Arena are amazing. Mostly, the food is great! So many good restaurants!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU? ANY SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES OR INITIATIVES YOU WANT TO PROMOTE?
My Instagram is @marie.gourde.
Much Love,
