From Boardroom to Bleachers – Work Calls in the Hockey Arena

It’s 6:25 pm on a Thursday. The arena smells like frozen dreams and concession stand fries. I’ve got one AirPod in, a laptop balanced on my knees, and I’m waving at my son on the ice while nodding along in a Google meeting that could’ve easily been an email.

Welcome to the hybrid life of a corporate mom—where the boardroom meets the bleachers, and business casual sometimes includes a parka and mittens.

Where Strategy Meets Shin Pads

There’s something uniquely humbling about reviewing project timelines while a kid slaps pucks in the background. The echo of whistles, skate blades carving the ice, and the occasional “Mooooom, I forgot my water bottle!” are now just part of the soundtrack of my professional life.

You haven’t truly multitasked until you’ve given feedback on a slide deck while whisper-yelling “Let’s go, buddy!” through the glass.

The Arena Wi-Fi Struggle

Let’s talk about Wi-Fi—or, more accurately, the lack thereof. You haven’t known fear until you’re about to share your screen in a meeting and the arena's public network decides to take a break. It’s a real gamble: will the PowerPoint load, or will you become a frozen screen with a questionable expression?

At this point, I’m convinced some arenas were built in Wi-Fi dead zones just to test our patience and mobile data plans.

The Mom Uniform

Let’s be honest—there’s a very specific look to “hockey mom who also has a quarterly report due.” It’s part parka, part blazer, part “I haven’t eaten a real dinner since last Sunday.” My tote bag holds equal parts tech accessories and granola bars. You never know which one you’ll need more.

And yes, I’ve absolutely taken a call with my camera strategically tilted to avoid showcasing the half-empty Gatorade bottle and hockey sock rolling around in the back seat.

It’s a Vibe—and a Privilege

Sure, it’s chaotic. Sure, it’s loud. And sure, there are moments when I wonder how I’m functioning. But there’s also something kind of magical about it all.

Because in between the spreadsheets and the slapshots, there’s pride—watching my kid grow, seeing their effort, cheering them on while still holding down my corner of the corporate world.

We may not have the work/life balance figured out, but we’ve certainly mastered the art of work/life blending.

So, here’s to the moms joining calls from the parking lot. To the dads answering emails in freezing rinks. To every parent making it all work—one work call, one hockey practice, one miracle at a time.

You’re doing amazing. Even if your laptop has Zamboni dust on it.