TV Host Admits Crush on Married Hockey Coach, Offers to Be Available

During a segment on the CBS 17 morning show “Wake Up Later, Carolina,” host Judith Retana admitted to having a crush on married Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. The comments, made after the Hurricanes' 2026 Stanley Cup victory, prompted uncomfortable reactions from her colleagues and a on-screen disclaimer.

Retana confessed her admiration for the coach, stating, “You know I have my little crush on Rod Brind’Amour. I respect his wife. I’m sure they have a good thing going there but I’ll be waiting in the wings in case anything goes awry. I’m no stranger to dating married men.” A disclaimer immediately appeared on screen clarifying that she meant “previously married men as in divorced or separated” or men with children.

Retana further elaborated, “It’s not really baggage for me, it’s a built-in family.” Co-host Rachel Duensing responded with a hesitant, “Judith….girl,” while fellow host Bill Young made a gesture indicating physical attraction, quickly attempting to reframe his comment.

Brind'Amour, 55, was a notable figure during the team’s championship celebrations, going shirtless after the Hurricanes won their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. He previously captained the 2006 team, becoming one of the few individuals to win the Stanley Cup with the same franchise as both a player and a head coach.

The coach’s personal life includes a marriage to Amy Biedenbach, with whom he has a son, Brooks. He has three children, Briley, Skyler, and Reece, from his previous marriage to Kelle Sullivan Gardner, which ended in divorce in 2004.