BronzeSaint
New Member
When hockey superstar Jarome Iginla and Kara Kirkland met each other at age 12, few would have envisioned the two as a future married couple with a family. But that is exactly what they became twenty years later.
A lot of guys remember the 7th grade fondly. Some can recall having a great girl cheer them on while participating in sports. But, very few have ever maintained a relationship as long as these two have.
"We've broken up a few times over the years, but we just couldn't stay apart," says Kara. "We've been together forever. He's the same person. Life is good to us."
The pair met as young children growing up in the Canadian town of St. Albert, a small community just north of Edmonton, Alberta. Now they have three children of their own to keep them busy; Jade, Tij and Joe. The new family has made it impossible for Kara to do what she once loved: Attend all of Jarome’s games.
"Honestly, now that I have (kids), I'm definitely more out of touch," she says. "That changed, but for the better. We're just busier and have more going on in our family life, so that's good."
And when she does watch, how does she handle watching her hubby -- the fearless team Captain and leader -- battle it out in a fight?
"I cheer him on! I always hope that he wins the fights," she says with a laugh. "I think that's a bit weird, but he doesn't fight very much, so it's not that big of a deal. I like watching him play."
Kara is not alone. Most hockey fans love watching Jarome play as he is one of the top three players in his sport and is one of the best team leaders of any sport. His Calgary Flames are in first place in their division.
When Jarome is on the road, life continues as usual for Kara and the kids.
"You're on your own a lot, and that's all right," says Kara. "You get used to that. But as the kids get older, it definitely affects them more, which I didn't really foresee. It's harder on Jade -- she misses him."
To keep in touch, the family relies on frequent webcam chats when Jarome's away."It's more for (Jarome)," she says. "I say '(the kids) don't need it' but he needs to see them more, I think."
She admits the 10-day road trips can get a little long, but she believes it all balances out in the end.
"(The players) are home all summer and, in the big scheme, I think they're home more than any average working parent."
"I really have no complaints," says Kara. "It's such an unbelievable life."
A lot of guys remember the 7th grade fondly. Some can recall having a great girl cheer them on while participating in sports. But, very few have ever maintained a relationship as long as these two have.
"We've broken up a few times over the years, but we just couldn't stay apart," says Kara. "We've been together forever. He's the same person. Life is good to us."
The pair met as young children growing up in the Canadian town of St. Albert, a small community just north of Edmonton, Alberta. Now they have three children of their own to keep them busy; Jade, Tij and Joe. The new family has made it impossible for Kara to do what she once loved: Attend all of Jarome’s games.
"Honestly, now that I have (kids), I'm definitely more out of touch," she says. "That changed, but for the better. We're just busier and have more going on in our family life, so that's good."
And when she does watch, how does she handle watching her hubby -- the fearless team Captain and leader -- battle it out in a fight?
"I cheer him on! I always hope that he wins the fights," she says with a laugh. "I think that's a bit weird, but he doesn't fight very much, so it's not that big of a deal. I like watching him play."
Kara is not alone. Most hockey fans love watching Jarome play as he is one of the top three players in his sport and is one of the best team leaders of any sport. His Calgary Flames are in first place in their division.
When Jarome is on the road, life continues as usual for Kara and the kids.
"You're on your own a lot, and that's all right," says Kara. "You get used to that. But as the kids get older, it definitely affects them more, which I didn't really foresee. It's harder on Jade -- she misses him."
To keep in touch, the family relies on frequent webcam chats when Jarome's away."It's more for (Jarome)," she says. "I say '(the kids) don't need it' but he needs to see them more, I think."
She admits the 10-day road trips can get a little long, but she believes it all balances out in the end.
"(The players) are home all summer and, in the big scheme, I think they're home more than any average working parent."
"I really have no complaints," says Kara. "It's such an unbelievable life."
