
Inside the Game-Day Rituals of Lauren Kyle McDavid: From Superstitions to Summer Plans
2025-06-16
Author: Olivia
As the pressure mounts for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, Lauren Kyle McDavid reveals her unique game-day routine. She’ll be stationed by the fireplace in her downtown Edmonton bar, where she witnessed her husband, Connor McDavid, make a spectacular play in Game 5.
"It’s a quirky feeling, but if anything positive happens, you have to stick to that position!" she laughs, highlighting her superstitious nature when it comes to watching the Edmonton Oilers play.
At 28, this interior designer and entrepreneur showcases not just her flair for design but an unwavering commitment to her husband's success on the ice. Lauren insists on wearing the same heels and carrying the same red handbag during games—an odd ritual, she claims, but one that speaks volumes about her dedication.
Connor McDavid, the Oilers' captain, has his own strict pre-game rituals, though Lauren teasingly kept those rituals under wraps. "He’s extremely ritual-based!" she hints.
With the Oilers facing off against the Florida Panthers in a critical Game 6, the stakes are sky-high. The Panthers lead the series 3-2, and if they triumph, they’ll clinch the Cup on their home turf. For the Oilers, it's a chance to extend the series to Game 7, which would be back in Edmonton.
Reflecting on their past postseason struggles, Lauren noted, "We're in the same position as last year, so the pressure is palpable. But we've been here before, and we know how to handle it."
Come Tuesday night, she’ll host fellow Oilers wives and girlfriends at her bar, Bar Trove, where they’ll watch the game projected onto a wall. Opened just this month, the bar is another testament to Lauren's entrepreneurial spirit, alongside her interior design firm and clothing line for the Oilers.
This summer, she’s also set to release a cookbook, showcasing her love for culinary arts. "Watching games with my girlfriends helps me cope with the pressures of being in the public eye," she shares.
But it's not all glamor; Lauren sheds light on common misconceptions surrounding hockey wives. "People think it’s easy because our husbands are athletes, making bank. But it’s a tough life with tremendous stress and strain on family dynamics."
Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Lauren admits she wasn’t always a hockey fan. Growing up with two brothers who played the sport, she had a casual familiarity but developed a deep passion for the game after meeting Connor.
Studying fine arts at the University of British Columbia and later interior design at Toronto Metropolitan University, her journey in design began long before her relationship with the hockey star. Yet, as Connor ascended to the role of captain, Lauren too found her footing as a businesswoman and a committed fan.
Lauren loves witnessing the community rally around the Oilers. "There’s such a strong sense of Canadian pride that comes with it," she says, fully embracing the camaraderie of being an Oilers supporter.
After the game, she and Connor typically unwind by walking their dog Leonard in Edmonton’s picturesque river valley—a wonderful ritual that helps them debrief their day and relive the game’s highlights.
"We usually chat about what went well and what didn’t, helping each other grow in our respective fields. Just like in hockey, we learn from mistakes and focus on constant improvement," she notes.
Looking ahead, Lauren anticipates a summer filled with weddings, cottage getaways in Muskoka, and competitive games of pickleball and trivia with Connor. "I’m super competitive, and anyone who knows us would definitely agree on that!" she laughs.