NHL star Evander Kane and fiancée Mara Teigen open up about NICU battle and baby Penelope's homecoming

In the world of professional sports, pressure is part of the game. But no playoff run or locker room challenge could’ve prepared Evander Kane and his fiancée, Mara Teigen , for the emotional storm they faced this year. On March 4th, their daughter, Penelope Monroe Kane , arrived unexpectedly at just 31 weeks. Instead of cozying up to the comforts of home, their newborn spent her first 31 days fighting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was a crash course in parenting under pressure and the kind of strength that no stat line can measure.


NICU nights and family first: Kanes redefine resilience



For Kane, who’s built a career on grit and intensity, this chapter brought a different kind of battle. Balancing fatherhood with life on the ice became a delicate dance. While Mara stayed by Penelope’s side in the hospital, Kane managed their household, caring for their two sons, Hendrix and Iverson, and co-parenting Kensington, his daughter from a previous marriage. It wasn’t easy, but it was real. And it showed just how far love and commitment can stretch when family comes first.


Mara, a model and soon-to-be bride, opened up about the experience on social media, calling it the most challenging and rewarding time of her life. In her heartfelt post, she spoke of a strength she never knew she had, one built in hospital rooms, long nights, and silent prayers. Penelope, she said, had already taught her more about patience and purpose than anything else ever could.


Evander Kane and Mara Teigen embrace life at home after baby Penelope’s NICU journey

Kane echoed those heartfelt sentiments in his own post, taking a moment to praise Mara’s unwavering dedication and the incredible team of doctors and nurses who stood by them through some of their most vulnerable days. He shared how witnessing Mara’s strength and love during Penelope’s time in the NICU deepened his admiration for her as both a partner and a mother. For both parents, the NICU experience transformed from a space of constant worry to one of unexpected strength, becoming a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the beginning of an even stronger bond forged through adversity.



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Now that Penelope is finally home, she’s surrounded by a family overflowing with love. Her older siblings—Kensington, Hendrix, and Iverson, have embraced their new role, doting on their baby sister with excitement and affection. The once-quiet moments are now filled with joyful noise, laughter, and the kind of chaos that only a full house can bring. With Penelope’s arrival, the Kane-Teigen household feels more complete than ever