Life as a professional sports star may seem easy from the outside, but it involves so much time away from loved ones.

The pressures on players was in full focus on Monday night when the Edmonton Oilers played the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. Oilers player Patrick Maroon scored against his hometown team, on front of his family.

Maroon only moved to Canada ahead of the current season, after a spell with the Anaheim Ducks. His post-match comments showed he doesn't get to see his family as much as he would wish.

Speaking after the win, Maroon was shown footage of his son Anthony's celebration of the goal, Quickly, the 28-year-old began to cry as he watched the footage of his delighted son.

"It's pretty cool. Pretty emotional... I don't get to see him as much. It's pretty special"

When told the Christmas period meant more time with his son, Maroon simply replied "absolutely", as he tried to hold back the tears.

The Oilers don't play between the 24th and 28th, meaning the Maroons will spend more time together.