The Black hockey superstar that married his loyal childhood girlfriend.

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."

 

Iginla's good player. He won the scoring NHL scoring title a few years back. He's one of the best players in the NHL.

 

Great story, thanks Bronze

 

Classy and considerate as well off the ice, like most NHL players are, regardless of what race they are. Iginla definitely is one of the best in the business. Too bad the US sports media is way too fixated and in love with athletes who are arrogant and selfish, as well as go way over board with baseball and the NBA (which in reality is as relevant as the NHL).

 

If Iginla secured a top sports agent and moved to a major market like NY or LA he could become a well-known star, but being the kind of guy he is he may not want that.

 

I was watching Jarome over the weekend on Hockey Night in Canada.

What's cool is how his coaches view him. What they try to do is have every player on the team play with him (at some point in the game) cause they think Iginla makes his teammates better. Not only does he make them look better, but his teammates learn things from him when they are on the ice with him.

Wayne Gretzky was a great goal scorer. Iginla scores, too. But, Jarome's a tough guy. He hits people, plays defense, and will kick butt if anyone tries to fight him.

He's a complete player.

 

Thanks Sir Nose.

Kara is cool to think about. Ponder this for a second:

It's as if she was born for Jarome...you can literally see her (at the age of 12) with her hot cocoa in hand standing in the cold and snow while watching and encouraging Iginla while he skates around a frozen pond. She likely took away any concern he had about getting a girl or dating at an early age.

In all likelihood, Kara may have lost her virginity to Jarome at some point in her life, which is always difficult for a young girl, dealing with an inexperienced young man and that very awkward first sexual encounter, but likely helped him gain further confidence.

Even when they were apart, she probably gave him emotional support as they've always been friends.

Then, as an adult, she's the caring wife that bears his children and is raising them while he's away making the money.

In return for all that she's done, he provides her with total security, the perfect home and a man just as interested in raising the kids.

It really is like she was born for Jarome and vice versa (Jarome was born to take care of her).

It gives people hope; that maybe there is that man or woman that is really born for you; and maybe that person is a White woman or a Black man.

Like that other couple that found each other early in life, Boise State's Ian Johnson and wife Chrissy Popadics Johnson:

 

Great couple. We were discussing them a few months ago:

http://www.whitewomenblackmen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8535

 

Loved the piece.

 

Very heart-warming indeed, especially in this cold Christmas:smt057. I'm not much of a hockey enthusiast but i've known about the guy for some time. I'm happy that he's been able to be with someone who loves him unconditionally and for them to signify the meaning of their commitment with the sacrament of matrimony makes it even more merry.

I wish them all of the best in their lives.

 

Thanks Soulthinker.

I've always liked this guy as I enjoy watching great leaders in various fields (business, sports, even Dept. of Defense, etc).

Jarome is relentless and is always trying to win, which is why he'll always be the Captain of any team he plays for. He will beat you if you let up for just a second.

Dwayne Wade is another one. He's single-handedly keeping the NBA's Miami Heat in contention.

 

Props on your post Bronze & thanks for the info as I'm not much of an NHL fan but it's good to read about this happy couple.

 

Thanks Cris.

You're right. It's the perfect story for the holidays and the stuff of movies. These two are very happy.

 

Thanks Noble. It's cool to see a couple that began in adolescence still together. It's so rare to see.

These two have been friends their entire lives, which is amazing.

 

you think so...they did this with Wayne Gretzy back in the eary 90's..he went to the L.a. Kings..they were showing hockey on Fox (remember the comet's tail on the hockey puck)...no one care outside of Hockey.

Look at Beckham.... Americans don't care.

Look at Sean Avery...I didn't know this guy existed until a couple of weeks ago....didn't know he dated Elisha Culbert...still think he got shafted for calling the girl "sloppy seconds"...he got his 15 min. of fame but no one cares.

I remember reading about Iginla in Sports Illustrated a couple of year ago spotlighting black hockey players but still....there's no agent who can raise his profile in the states because of the sport he's in.