When you’re the son of a professional hockey player and are determined to follow in his footsteps, surely you are destined for greatness. At least Leon Draisaitl was. The German center is something of a legend at the Edmonton Oilers. But to his significant other, he is merely human. Since 2018, Draisaitl has been dating Canadian actress Celeste Desjardins.
While she has never exactly transitioned into a mainstream Hollywood blockbuster, Celeste has roles of varying significance on shows like “Taken” and “Flower Shop Mysteries.” Also, she has more than 136k followers on Instagram, so that’s something to write home about, right?
Dion Phaneuf & Elisha Cuthbert
Elisha Cuthbert was already a familiar face to the public from her role in Fox’s 24 and from the film, "The Girl Next Door." Many Canadians are in the NHL, so it’s no surprise that Elisha (a Canadian) met the love of her life and fellow Canadian Dion Phaneuf, in 2008.
Phaneuf and Cuthbert married in 2013, sealing their standing as one of the “it” couples of the NHL. The celeb pair welcomed daughter Zaphire in 2017 and remains a happy family today.
Drew Doughty & Nicole Arruda
Most everyone loves the story of high school sweethearts who managed to stay together long after graduation. An alternate captain for the Los Angeles Kings and defenseman Drew Doughty met his wife (Nicole Arruda) while the two were in high school. The couple stuck together through thick and thin and eventually tied the knot.
The couple spends most of their time in Los Angeles but are still loyal Canadians and keep family first. Doughty has said that no matter what happens on the ice, coming home to the family always lifts him up. The pair share two kids, and Doughty confessed that he enjoys being a father and that Arruda makes fatherhood a wonderful experience for him.
Jarret Stoll & Erin Andrews
ESPN sportscaster Erin Andrews has had a tremendously successful career in the male-dominated field. She was a correspondent before joining ESPN full-time in 2004. She moved to Fox Sports in 2012 and then became the lead sideline reporter for the Fox NFL broadcasting team.
It’s no surprise then that Andrews ended up marrying an athlete. New York Rangers NHL player Jarret Stoll first set his eyes on Andrews in 2012 and, after asking retired NFL player and friend Michale Strahan to ask Erin out on his behalf...she turned him down. But Stoll wasn’t ready to give up and, after approaching her after one of her broadcasts, the two finally went out. The couple became engaged in 2016 and married in 2017.
Mike Fisher & Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood became America’s sweetheart songstress after she won American Idol in 2005. With her large spotlight, some may forget that she is married to former Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators star Mike Fisher.
Underwood and Fisher met thanks to Underwood’s bassist Mark Childers who set the two up on a blind date. Carrie was nervous and reluctant at first, so the two first met backstage during one of Carrie’s meet-and-greets. Carrie and Mike ended up hitting it off quite well, getting engaged in December 2009 and marrying just eight months later. The pair share two sons and appear to have one of the best celebrity marriages to this day.
Alexander Ovechkin & Anastasia Shubskaya
Captain of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin, is married to Nastya Shubskaya. The model is also the daughter of the famous actress and director Vera Glagogeva and shipbuilding entrepreneur Kirill Shubskiy. The couple had known each other for years and, when they decided to make things romantic, soon discovered they were destined to be together.
The couple became engaged in 2015 after being together for a few months and married in 2016 in Ovechkin’s home country of Russia. In 2018, Anastasia gave birth to their firstborn, Sergei. And in May of 2020, their second son, Ilya, was born.
Patrice Bergeron & Stephanie Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron is the captain of the Boston Bruins. His wife, Stephanie, graduated from Laval University in Quebec and keeps a very private life. She has no known social media accounts but is a mom to three kids and a loving, supportive wife to Patrice.
Stephanie and Patrice became a couple in 2006 and headed down the aisle in 2013. Their first son Zack was born in 2015, their daughter Victoria 2017, and their third child, and their second son, was born in 2018. Patrice and Stephanie manage to divide their lives between two places, Quebec and Boston, and enjoy their private, family time.
Carey Price & Angela Price
Carey Price, the goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, met his wife Angela on a blind date. Angela confessed that when she met Carey, she did not know much about hockey. But that didn’t keep the couple’s romance from blossoming.
Carey and Angela were married in 2016 and then moved to Kelowna, British Columbia, to start their family. The pair share three kids together: Liv, who was born in 2016, Mille who was born in 2018; and Lincoln, who was born in 2020. Other than being a busy mom and wife, Angela runs a personal blog called By Angela, where she dishes out her life tips and tricks.
Matt Murray & Christina Sirignano
Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray married his high school sweetheart, Christina Sirignano. The adorable couple both hail from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and have stuck by one another for many years. Sirignano was very supportive of her husband’s career and hectic schedule ever since he first entered the NHL.
After many years together, the two married on June 20th, 2019, and are now living in Ottawa after Murray was traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In early 2021, the couple welcomed their first child together.
Jake Gardiner & Lucy Cashin
Jake Gardiner, a former player for the Toronto Maple Leafs and current defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, met Lucy Cashin in 2013. Cashin is a fitness instructor, businesswoman, and social media influencer who married the NHL star four years later in July 2017.
In 2018, Cashin gave birth to the couple’s first child, a boy that they named Henry John. Henry came at an unexpected time, but the couple adjusted quickly, with Gardiner making the necessary adjustments in his schedule to still be a dad.
Corey Crawford & Kristy Muscolino
Although retired now, for 10 years, Corey Crawford was the goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks. Crawford had a successful career, winning both the Stanley Cup and the William M. Jennings trophy twice.
In 2019, the NHL star said “I do” to Kristy Muscolino after 3 years together. Kristy, a Chicago native, was an Executive Fashion Assistant. In April 2020, Kristy and Corey announced the birth of their baby boy Camden Emery. The couple already has a son called Cooper, who was born in 2017.
Henrik Zetterberg & Emma Andersson
Henrik Zetterberg, who hails from Sweden, was drafted to the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. His other half, Emma Andersson, was already well-known in Sweden as a singer and TV personality. The Swedish power couple were engaged in 2008 and later made it official after a ceremony close to Andersson’s hometown in Mölle, Sweden.
Emma gave birth to their first child, a boy named Love (pronounced Loo-vey), in 2015. In 2018, Zetterberg retired from the NHL, so the little family now enjoys family time split between Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Sweden.
Evgeni Malkin & Anna Kasterova
Another power couple, Russian-born Anna Kasterova, is a well-known face in the Russian TV and media world. In fact, it was one of the reasons that Evgeni Malkin decided to make a move and get her attention. The two began a slow-brewing, long-distance relationship. They texted each other for over three years before meeting in person.
After sustaining a long-distance relationship, Malkin proposed to Kasterova in 2015, and six months later, their son Nikita was born. The couple married in May 2016, and Kasterova soon moved to the US.
Ryan Miller & Noureen DeWulf
Actress Noureen DeWulf was well into her acting career by the time she met Ryan Miller, goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks. DeWulf, who was born in New York, is known for her roles in Burning Love and as the character of Lucy in "Anger Management," starring opposite Charlie Sheen. Of Indian heritage, she is also fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati.
DeWulf and Miller married in Vancouver in 2011 and welcomed their first child, Bodhi Ryan Miller, in 2015. And, after nearly ten years together, the couple is still going strong!
Brent Burns & Susan Holder
Originally from Canada, Brent Burns is an alternate captain and defenceman and for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL. Burns, who began his pro career in 2003, married his girlfriend, Susan Holder, in 2009. The holder is also from Canada and is a graduate of Sam Houston State University.
In 2010, Holder gave birth to their first child, Peyton Gabriann Patrick — and in 2011, their second son, Jagger Stephen Patrick, was born. And, in 2018, they became a family of five after their daughter was born. The family settled in the San Jose area, and Holder, who attends all of Burns’ games, is certainly his biggest fan.
Petr Mrázek & Sára Olivová
Petr Mrázek began his NHL career in 2012 and presently is a goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes. His wife, Sára Olivová, is a professional beach volleyball player and is also a graduate of Georgia State University. The pair married in a small ceremony and spent their off-seasons in Prague.
Mrázek admires his wife’s tenacity and endurance, calling her a “warrior” after she played volleyball with a torn meniscus for four months. The athletic couple obviously shares a special bond since they both have professional sports careers.
Roman Josi & Ellie Ottaway
Roman Josi currently plays for the Nashville Predators as the captain of the team. Josi is originally from Switzerland and had previously played for Switzerland in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. He even took home a silver medal! In 2015, Roman met Ellie Ottaway, and the two married in 2019.
Ellie is originally from Michigan and graduated from Belmont University in 2014 with a degree in Music Business. She is now signed with METRO Models and does modeling for fashion brands like ASOS, Vinceo, and Peixotowear Swimwear.
Cam Fowler & Jasmine Maggard
Cam Fowler and Jasmine Maggard’s romance began simply yet sweetly while they were still in high school. The Anaheim Ducks defenceman and Maggard met at a friend’s bonfire, and their relationship blossomed from there. Originally from Michigan, Maggard was a soccer player while she attended Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor.
To celebrate their 10-year anniversary, Fowler proposed to Maggard, with the help of the couple’s adorable Bernedoodle. The pair finally married in 2019 at Orchard Lake, Michigan, in front of 179 guests.
Brandon Dubinsky & Brenna McGuire
Although headed for retirement, Brandon Dubinsky played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and began his professional NHL career in 2004. He met his wife, Brenna McGuire (an American model), through mutual friends, but she also happened to live in the same building as he did in Manhattan.
Dubinsky proposed to McGuire in 2011 while on a romantic vacation at Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The pair married one year later in Palm Beach, Florida, with a lavish reception. In 2014, Brenna and Brandon welcomed their first child together, a son they named Brady Charles.
John Gibson & Alexa DelGreco
John Gibson, the goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks, first met his wife, Alexa DelGreco, in Kindergarten! The two went on to attend the same school until they were both 14 years old. John and Alexa lost touch after his NHL career took off, but they managed to find their way back to each other.
In June 2016, John proposed to Alexa after three years together. Though they knew each other when they were very young, DelGreco said that, after they reconnected, they knew very quickly that they wanted to be together forever. What a love story!
Justin Williams & Kelly Williams
Although now retired, Justin Williams was a three-time Stanley Cup winner, appeared in a total of 19 seasons, and played on a handful of NHL teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes. Justin married Kelly in August 2006, and the couple has two children together.
Kelly appears to keep her private life private, but the family currently lives in Cary, North Carolina. Since retiring from the NHL, Williams has enjoyed embracing parental life on a deeper level.
David Krejčí & Naomi Starr
First drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2004, David Krejčí is an accomplished athlete who also made two appearances at the Winter Olympic games while playing for the Czech national team. Presently, Krejčí is the alternate captain for the Boston Bruins. He began dating his now-wife, Naomi Starr, in 2009 and the two later married in 2014.
Naomi is from Watertown, Massachusetts, and appears to have done some modeling. She gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter named Elina, in 2015, and in 2019 they welcomed a son.
Matt Duchene & Ashley Grossaint
Matt Duchene, who plays for the Nashville Predators, married Ashley Grossaint after a seven-year relationship. Their 2017 wedding was a whimsical ceremony in the woods of Colorado that certainly impressed their guests and even made it into an online wedding magazine.
Grossaint stays active on social media and is the one who keeps fans clued in on what is happening in the couple’s lives. She posted in November of 2020 on the birth of their second child, James Olivia, who joined their son Beau.
Dustin Brown & Nicole Brown
Dustin Brown, the right-winger for the Los Angeles Kings, was first drafted into the NHL in 2003. Brown is known for his charitable acts and even received the NHL Foundation Player Award for his work. He and his wife Nicole first started dating when they were just 15 years old.
The couple has four children together; three sons and one daughter. Their firstborn, Jacob Austin Brown, was born in February 2008, Mason Brown was born in 2009, and the youngest son Cooper Eilis Brown was born in 2011. Lastly, in 2013, they welcomed their daughter Mackenzie.
Cale Hulse & Gena Lee Nolin
Hulse is a former defenceman who played for five NHL teams. His wife, Gena Lee Nolin, had an established acting career before Cale Hulse put a ring on her finger. Nolin first began acting in 1994 and is known for her role of Neely Capshaw on "Baywatch." She is still active as an actress, with a filmography that includes appearances on "The Price Is Right" and the TV series "Sheena."
The couple married in 2004 and later had two children; son Hudson who was born in 2006, and daughter Stella who was born in 2008. Now that he is retired, Hulse has all the time he wants to be with his family.
Robin Lehner & Donya Lehner
Robin Lehner, the goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, was born in Sweden and was first drafted by the Ottawa Senators. The couple wed in 2014 and have two kids.
Their firstborn, a son named Lennox, was born in October 2014, and their daughter Zoe was born in 2017. Not much is known about his wife, Donya, but she is active on social media, giving snapshots of her life. She primarily posts about her kids, with the occasional hockey game appearance. Things are looking up for the young family as Robin is now in a five-year, $25 million contract with the Golden Knights.
Andrei Vasilevskiy & Ksenia Vasilevskiy
Goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Andrei Vasilevsky was first introduced to his future wife through a happenstance meeting on a plane in 2009. At the time, Andrei was playing in the Russian Junior Hockey League, and Ksenia was returning home to Moscow. The two hit it off while up in the air and decided to keep in touch.
In 2014, Andrei and Ksenia were married 2014. In 2016, the Ksenia gave birth to their first child, a boy whom they named Lukas. Lukas actually arrived two weeks early while Andrei was on the ice. He only learned that Ksenia had given birth after his game.
Jaroslav Halák & Petra Halák
Jaroslav Halák was a free agent up until 2018 when he signed a $5.5 million contract with the Boston Bruins. Now the goaltender for the team, Halák resigned his impressive contract in May of 2020. Additionally, Halák played for Slovakia in the 2010 Olympics, where the team placed fourth.
Not much is known about his wife, Petra, but she most likely has been with Halák from early on in his career. The two married in 2012 and have two children together; a daughter Inna and a son, Nathan.
Marc-André Fleury & Véronique Larose
Marc-André Fleury, goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, is married to fellow Canadian Véronique Larose. The two reportedly were childhood sweethearts and even lived on the same street. After a longstanding romance, Larose and Fleury married in 2012 in a luxurious ceremony in Montreal.
Véronique and Marc-André have three children together; two daughters, Estelle and Scarlett, and a boy named James. Aside from being a mom of three, Véronique is the co-owner of the children’s clothing brand Alex et Estelle with her partner Catherine LaFlamme.
Braden Holtby & Brandi Bodnar
Braden Holtby, goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, dated his now-wife for a number of years before finally tying the knot in 2013. The couple has two kids together, son Benjamin Hunter and daughter Belle Scarlett.
Brandi primarily stays out of the spotlight, but she does stay very active on social media with pictures of her kids. Braden can be thankful for his wife’s intercessory skills when, in November 2020, she successfully lobbied for her husband to be able to re-enter Canada. Apparently, he had two pet tortoises without proper documentation and was stopped at the border.
Justin Abdelkader & Julie Leshkevich
Justin Abdelkader was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2005 NHL draft. He met his now-wife, Julie Leshkevich (a foreign teaching assistant), while they both were attending Michigan State University.
In 2006, Abdelkader proposed to Julie at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit and, in 2017, Leshkevich and Abdelkader finally walked down the aisle. The couple’s ceremony was held on the top of the Detroit Opera House with their family and friends looking on. And in September of 2018, the pair welcomed their first child.
Tomas Plekanec & Lucie Šafářová
Although he was formerly with the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL, Tomas Plekanec is currently playing as a center for the Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). In 2017, romance blossomed between Plekanec and tennis player Lucie Šafářová. Šafářová is an impressive athlete herself and has won as many as seven singles titles and fifteen doubles titles on the WTA Tour.
She announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2019, informing fans of the exciting news that she and Tomas were expecting their first child together. After the birth of their daughter Lea in December of 2019, Šafářovahas has been enjoying being a mom.
T.J. Oshie & Lauren Oshie
T.J. Oshie currently serves as the right winger for the Washington Capitals. Overall, the hockey star has played in over 700 NHL games for both the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. And, in 2018, he helped the Capitals take home the Stanley Cup. Apart from his professional career, Oshie also enjoys his personal life.
In 2011, he met his now-wife, Lauren, while in college. Today, Lauren has found success on social media with 217,000 followers on Instagram. The couple had been together for four years before walking down the aisle in 2015. They now call McLean, Virginia, home as a family of five. T.J. & Lauren share two daughters and one son together.
Gabriel Landeskog & Melissa Shouldice
Born in Sweden, Gabriel Landeskog is the captain of the Colorado Avalanche team. His wife, Melissa Shouldice, is from Toronto and, like many other NHL wives, stays out of the spotlight. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a psychology degree, but not much else is known about her.
In July of 2018, the couple got married at the stunning Resort on Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. They welcomed their first child, a daughter that they named Linnea Raw Landeskog, in November 2019. Landeskog was recovering from an injury at the time and was able to be present for his daughter’s arrival.
Zdeno Chara & Tatiana Chara
Slovakian-born Zdeno Chara played for a handful of other teams before becoming the defenceman for the Washington Nationals. He met his now-wife, Tatiana, in 1997 while working in Ottawa as an economics engineer. The two dated for ten years before finally walking down the aisle in 2007 at a ceremony in Slovakia.
Their first child, a daughter named Elliz Victoria, was born in 2009, and in 2016, they welcomed twin boys, Zack and Ben. Making sure to keep his options open outside of the NHL, Zdeno also became a licensed real estate agent in 2015.
Matt Martin & Sydney Esiason
Canadian native Matt Martin landed his first draft into the NHL in 2008 and currently plays for the New York Islanders. His wife, Sydney Esiason, is the daughter of retired NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason and is no stranger to the athletic world.
Having been born to a professional athlete, some of Esiason’s jobs have revolved around sports. She was an on-air digital host for the NHL and also served as an anchor for "Sports Illustrated." She and Martin became engaged in 2018, and the pair married the following year in June of 2019. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Windsor Grace (or Winnie for short), in July of 2020.
Claude Giroux & Ryanne Breton
The French Canadian Claude Giroux has been with the Philadelphia Flyers since he was drafted in 2006. Giroux has served as both the forward and the captain of the team and remains with them till today.
In 2016, he got engaged to his girlfriend Ryanne Breton, and, though not much is known about how the two met, they finally married in 2018. In 2019, they announced that they were expecting their first child, and in August of that same year, their son, Gavin, was born.
Nicklas Backstrom & Liza Berg
Nicklas Backstrom is the center and alternate captain for the Washington Nationals. Originally from Sweden, Backstrom was first drafted in 2006 into the NHL.
Backstrom met Liza Berg, his now-fiance, in 2016. Liza is also from Sweden and studied at a few universities, including Santa Monica College, the Stockholm School of Economics, and Uppsala University. The two now live in Arlington, Virginia, and have two children; a daughter Haley who was born in 2013, and a son, Vince, born in 2016.
Brooks Laich & Julianne Hough
Although they are sadly no longer together, Brooks Laich and Julianne Hough were becoming a beloved celebrity couple. Brooks Laich is now retired, but he had a notable NHL career. Laich played for four teams in total, including the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Los Angeles Kings.
Professional dancer Julianne Hough (best known for "Dancing with the Stars") met her hubby through a mutual friend back in 2014, and the pair got engaged the following year. In 2017, they were married, but by 2020, their relationship headed south. Julianne ultimately filed for divorce in November of 2020.
Sheldon Souray & Tess Annique
Sheldon Souray is retired now, but the defenceman played for five different NHL teams in his career. He was formerly married to "Baywatch" star Angelica Bridges, with whom he has two daughters. In recent years, he has been connected to WWE wrestler Kelly Kelly but the two ultimately split.
Most recently, Souray got engaged to Tess Annique. Tess appears to have her own lifestyle blog and has a well-curated Instagram showing off her glamorous style. The two have been engaged since August of 2020, so they may be headed down the aisle soon.
Erik Karlsson & Melinda Karlsson
Erik Karlsson is the defenceman and alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks. Karlsson was previously married to a woman named Therese for only one year. After the two divorced, Karlsson met and married Melinda Currey four years later in 2017.
The couple has shared some heartbreaks but appears to still be going strong. Erik and Melinda welcomed a daughter in 2019 and also started a charity called Can’t Dim My Light, which aims to bring awareness of school bullying.
Joe Thornton & Tabea Pfendsack
Joe Thornton, center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is still on the ice in his forties. Thornton briefly relocated to Switzerland during the NHL lockout, but it was here that he met his future wife, Swiss businesswoman Tabea Pfendsack. Aside from being a businesswoman, she also published a children’s book called "The Very Hairy But Not So Scary Mouse."
After the NHL lockout was resolved, Thornton returned and began playing for the San Jose Sharks and eventually the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thornton and Tabea are now married and have both a son and a daughter.
Rickard Rakell & Emmeli Lindkvist
Richard Rakell is the left-winger for the Anaheim Ducks. Originally from Sweden, the NHL star found love with fellow Swede Emmeli Lindkvist. The couple has to have a long-distance relationship at times (between Sweden and California), but that may end in the future.
Emmeli has a very active Instagram with nearly 35,000 followers and is very supportive of Rakell’s busy career. The couple became engaged in January 2019 and most likely will settle down in one place soon.
Anze Kopitar & Ines Dominic
Born in Slovenia, Anze Kopitar is the center and captain of the Los Angeles Kings. In 2006, after a brief career with the Yugoslavian and Slovenian national teams, Kopitar became the very first Slovenian player to enter the NHL.
He met his wife, Ines Dominic, in 2005 in Slovenia, and the two married in 2013. The pair now live in California and have a daughter named Neza, who was born in 2015, and a son named Jakob, who was born in 2016.
Niklas Hjalmarsson & Elina Casell
Arizona Coyotes defenceman and alternate captain Niklas Hjalmarsson has had a long relationship with former Swedish model Elina Cassell. The couple, who both hail from Sweden, married in 2013 and then welcomed a son named Theo in 2014. In 2017, Elina gave birth to their second son Oliver.
In 2015, Elina decided to take an entrepreneurial path and started her own handbag line. But sadly, the couple has been struggling in their relationship and is now processing through a divorce.
Henrik Lundqvist & Therese Andersson
Henrik Lundqvist is the goaltender for the Washington Capitals. Being in his 40s, Lundqvist has had a substantial career, playing for 15 seasons for the New York Rangers. He met Therese Andersson in 1998, and, after 12 years together, the two married in the summer of 2011.
Since then, the couple brought two daughters into the world; Charlie and Juli. Along with being a mom, Therese is a founding member of the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation; a non-profit focused on health and education for children and families.
Patrick Kane & Amanda Grahovec
Patrick Kane met his girlfriend Amanda Grahovec in 2010 through a mutual friend. As a right-winger for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago native, Kane has been going strong for over ten years, and, in 2020, had a son together.
Kane has had legal troubles in his past, having been charged with robbery, among other misdemeanors. The legal issues have been resolved, so hopefully, Kane can continue to be successful in both his career and personal life.
Mario Lemieux & Nathalie Asselin
Retired NHL star Mario Lemieux was the longstanding center for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nicknamed "The Magnificent One," he was in the NHL and with the Penguins for 30 years.
Even more impressive is Lemieux’s long-standing relationship with Nathalie Asselin. He and Asselin have been married since 1993, a remarkable accomplishment for any couple, and have four children together; Lauren, Stephanie, Austin, and Alexa. Austin played college hockey for Arizona State but has most recently focused on becoming a pro golfer.
Victor Hedman & Sanna Grundberg
The NHL is full of many talented Swedish players. Another Swedish import is Victor Hedman. Hedman began his hockey career in the Swedish J20 SuperElit, and now, the defenseman plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hedman has made a solid name for himself in the three years he has been with the team.
Hedman’s love life has also been successful. In July of 2017, he married his longtime girlfriend, Sanna Grundberg, with their family, friends, and fellow NHL players showing their love and support.
Wayne Gretzky & Janet Jones
Certainly, the most famous name in the NHL, Wayne Gretzky, is a hockey legend. Nicknamed the Great One, Gretzky has set the precedent for what succeeding hockey players aspire to. Gretzky can be proud of his athletic success, but his personal life is also one to be proud of.
Gretzky met actress Janet Jones while appearing as a judge on the show "Dance Fever." They did not immediately become a couple but reconnected a few years later. Wayne and Janet married in 1988 and have been together ever since. Together they have five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma.
Steven Stamkos & Sandra Porzio
Steven Stamkos is the center and captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos has built a legacy for himself since he was drafted to the team in 2008. He even helped the team take home the Stanley Cup in 2020.
In June 2017, Stamkos walked down the aisle with Sandra Porzio. The couple held their ceremony in Toronto and were supported by fellow NHL players. Stamkos and Potzio have stayed out of the spotlight and have enjoyed their private life together since tying the knot.
Andrew Ladd & Brandy Johnson
Andrew Ladd was drafted to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004. As of 2016, he is the left-winger (and also a free agent) for the New Yorker Islanders. In January of 2021, Ladd also joined the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on a professional tryout contract (or PTO).
In 2011, Ladd married Brandy Johnson, and together they had three children. Brandy is an optometrist who received her degree from the New England College of Optometry. Both she and Andrew run the Ladd Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on helping young people and the environment.
Viktor Stålberg & Mathilda Jansson
Viktor Stålberg has been on many NHL rosters since he turned pro in 2009. Altogether, Stålberg has lent his talents to the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. In 2013, he helped the Blackhawks win the coveted Stanley Cup.
Viktor married Mathilda Jansson in June of 2018, and they are now the parents of two children. Judging by their social media, the couple has a loving and solid relationship and is focusing on raising their family together.
Connor McDavid & Lauren Kyle
Connor McDavid is currently the captain of the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid is currently in a relationship with interior designer Lauren Kyle, and the pair are simply enjoying developing their relationship.
The young entrepreneur has a lot of ambition and is the founder of Kyle & Company, a design studio based in Edmonton. While they may not be headed toward marriage just yet, Connor and Lauren are also enjoying their adorable Bernedoodle (Lenard) together. In fact, Lenard even has his own Instagram account!
Tomas Tatar & Veronika Vevuska
Slovakian-born Tomas Tatar has served as a left-winger for the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken over the years. In 2009, Tatar was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, where he really had the opportunity to develop his NHL career. At one point, Tatar was dating fellow Slovakian Lucia Slaninkova, and the two did their best to guard the privacy of their relationship.
However, the relationship didn't last, and Tatar has been dating Veronika Vevuska since 2019. Unlike Slaninkova, who was a Slovakian beauty queen and was even runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, Vevuska is much more low-key and even sets her social media to private.
Jacob Trouba & Kelly Tyson
Originally from Michigan, Jacob Trouba is the defenceman and alternate captain for the New York Rangers. Trouba met Kelly Tyson in 2012 during his college days in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sadly, the couple split when Tyson left to pursue her master’s degree in Australia.
But their love story wasn’t over. Trouba visited Tyson in Australia, and they were able to reconcile. Tyson has been hard at work pursuing her medical degree, but she found true support in Trouba. He is also incredibly supportive of Tyson, saying that “her career is as important as my career.” And with a partner as supportive as that, it’s no surprise Tyson said “I do” to the NHL star in 2020.
Jori Lehtera and Lotta Lehtera
Deep into his 30s, and Jori Lehtera is still playing at a high level. The HIFK centreman famously won bronze for Finland at the 2014 Olympics. And finishing on the top-scoring line next to Vladimir Tarsenko wasn't the only time that Jori hit the jackpot. He also found love with Finnish compatriot Lotta. She has been a prolific model in her heyday.
And while she doesn't have as many followers on Instagram as her husband, 6k followers is nothing to be ashamed of. The couple are always showing off their two daughters on social media and together, they look like something out of a Scandinavian postcard.
Jordan Binnington and Cristine Prosperi
Cristine Prosperi has been known to have a thing for NHL players over the years. The young Canadian actress is definitely best known for her role as Imogen Moreno in the hit series "Degrassi." At one point, she was the girlfriend of hockey player Jeff Skinner.
While that one didn't last, Cristine has since entered a more serious relationship with St. Louis Blues man Jordan Binnington. After getting engaged in 2021, the couple tied the knot just under two years later. Naturally, the couple were extremely excited to share their holy matrimony with the world, posting some of the best photos from the wedding on Instagram.
Sidney Crosby and Kathy Leutner
This is one couple that likes to keep things on the down low, for sure. It is no secret (no pun intended) that Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby has kept his cards very close to his chest when it comes to his personal life. But if you look around enough, you'll soon realize that he's been getting very serious with fitness model Kathy Leutner.
In fact, this perfect match has been linked all the way since 2008. That means she has basically been by his side since he first came up in the world of hockey. But yeah, this couple isn't that interested in sharing their day-to-day affairs with the world.
Josh Manson and Julie Manson
This might be one of the most underrated NHL power couples of all time. Having a father who was also an NHL player, the pressure was on Josh Manson to make a name for himself. And he's done just that, currently plying his trade as a defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche.
And his wife Julie, is also a real go-getter in her field. According to Instagram, she played volleyball at UCLA, and specializes in advertising and social media consulting too. Apparently, the couple met when Manson slid into Julie's DMs. They have been married since 2018 and have since had two beautiful kids.
Valeri Bure and Candace Cameron Bure
There might not be a more instantly recognizable NHL power couple on this entire list. Valeri Bure has certainly made a name for himself in the world of hockey, having played for the likes of the Montreal Canadiens, the Calgary Flames, and the St. Louis Blues, among others.
But his wife Candace Cameron Bure arguably eclipses him in terms of fame. Of course, Candace is best known for her role on the hit sitcom "Full House." She has been married to the retired hockey star since 1996, and the couple have had three kids along the way - Natasha, Lev, and Maksim.
Joonas Donskoi and Devin Devine Donskoi
Being one of six kids, Joonas Donskoi was always excited to build his own family. And his wife Devin also had that very same dream. Together, they helped each other make that shared dream come true. The Finnish retired NHL star has played for the likes of Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken.
In 2017, Donskoi's life changed for the better when he met Devin at a Halloween party. Things would never be the same, as the couple would go on to tie the knot three years later. In 2021, they welcomed their first child into the world. This was followed by a second two years later.
William Karlsson and Emily Ferguson
We think we know who wears the pants in this relationship. Sure, William Karlsson has made a name for himself as a talented forward in the NHL, playing for the Vegas Golden Knights. But his wife, Emily Ferguson, is probably more recognized across the country for her exploits on "The Bachelor in Paradise."
After her time on the show came to an end, Emily met the NHL man in 2017 and got engaged three years later. Naturally, the couple tied the knot in Vegas. Since then, they have welcomed a handsome baby boy into the world. He goes by the name of Beckham.
Oula Palve and Haley Ferguson
With a whopping 387k followers to her name on Instagram (as of March 2024), it is clear that Haley Ferguson is much more recognizable than her husband Oula Palve. She became famous for her time spent on the hit reality TV show "The Bachelor." In 2022 though, Haley was ready to no longer be a "bachelorette," and married Finnish player Palve in 2022.
Things only went from good to better for the couple. Around the new year mark of 2024, Palve and Ferguson welcomed their "miracle baby," as she described, into the world. She documented her pregnancy in detail on her Instagram account.
Sean Avery and Hilary Rhoda
There is no denying that Sean Avery has been a bit of a bad boy during his time in the NHL. In fact, we'd call that the understatement of the century! And Hilary Rhoda also went through her own fair share of drama before meeting the retired hockey player.
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was once with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, but that ultimately didn't end well. So things looked good when they got engaged, got married, and had a child in quick succession. But in 2022, Rhoda ultimately filed for divorce, citing domestic issues and poor behavior at home.
Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff really has been through the wringer over the years when it comes to her personal life. The star of shows like "Lizzy McGuire" and "How I Met Your Father" thought she had hit the jackpot when she started dating former NHL player Mike Comrie back in 2007.
Three years later, the couple announced their engagement and tied the knot shortly after. They even had a son by the name of Luca. Despite all of these good things, it wasn't enough, and Comrie and Duff ended up getting divorced in 2016. Duff cited irreconcilable differences and took full custody of her son.
Mark Stone and Hayley Stone
For the last decade or so, right winger Mark Stone has been tearing it up for teams like the Ottawa Senators and the Vegas Golden Knights (the latter of which he has been the captain). But you know what they say, behind every great knight, there's an even greater wife. That's how it goes, right?
The man from Winnipeg has been married to Jamie since 2021 and together, they were blessed to welcome their first child into the world - a beautiful little girl by the name of Scarlett James. It's also worth mentioning that Hayley's sister, Jamie, is married to fellow NHL star Cody Ceci, making Cody and Mark brothers-in-law.
Cody Ceci and Jamie Ceci
With teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers under his belt, Cody Ceci has certainly been around the NHL block. Unlike his career though, the defenceman has managed to find more stability in his personal life, having tied the knot with his wife Jamie in 2020.
Since then, the couple have had a kid, which they have proudly shared via social media. Unlike other NHL wives on this list, sisters Kayley and Jamie like to keep things relatively low-key, setting their Instagram pages to private. Though we are able to catch a glimpse into their lives via their hockey hubbies' pages.
Brad Marchand and Katrina Marchand
It seems like Brad Marchand and his wife Katrina already had pretty eventful lives before they finally decided to settle down together. While the left winger has been a mainstay for the Boston Bruins for many years now, Katrina already had a child from a previous relationship. So when they tied the knot in 2015, Brad was proud to help raise his new stepson.
Along the way though, the couple have had two daughters, Sawyer and Rue. Not only does Katrina have a busy presence on social media, with 21k followers on Instagram. She also helps to promote a clothing line using her husband's name - Marchand and Mill Co.
Charlie McAvoy and Kiley McAvoy
Charlie McAvoy has never looked back since he was first drafted into the Boston Bruins back in 2016. The defenseman has also been very successful for his country, having won gold medals for the US national team at numerous tournaments. But there is no denying that Charlie's most proud moment came when he met his one true love, Kiley.
She happens to be the daughter of Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. The couple have been together for a long time, having first met at Boston University. But they ended up finally getting engaged when Charlie proposed during a romantic getaway in Italy. And they got married in August 2023.
Connor Hellebuyck and Andrea Fanciullo
This goaltender is just as protective of his wife Andrea as he is of his goal. Connor Hellebuyck has been a loyal servant for the Winnipeg Jets since 2014 and is still going strong until this very day. While there is not that much info out there about Andrea, what we do know is that she is head over heels for Connor and is regularly championing him via her social media pages.
Not only do they have two kids together, but Andrea also works hard promoting the children's books that Connor wrote. They are called 'Bucky Beats the Blues' and "Is Something Wrong With Weasel?."
Mitch Marner and Stephanie LaChance
Truth be told, these NHL lovebirds like to keep things relatively quiet, compared to other couples on this list. Mitch Marner's star as a right winger has been steadily rising since he was first drafted into the Toronto Maple Leafs about a decade ago. Along the way, Stephanie LaChance has been right there by his side, giving him support through every win and loss.
In 2021, the couple announced their engagement after years of dating. And two years later, they have a beautiful wedding in Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario. After all, that's an ideal way to tie the knot if you're from this gorgeous part of the world.
Leon Draisaitl and Celeste Desjardins
When you're the son of a professional hockey player and are determined to follow in his footsteps, surely you are destined for greatness. At least Leon Draisaitl was. The German center is something of a legend at the Edmonton Oilers. But to his significant other, he is merely human. Since 2018, Draisaitl has been dating Canadian actress Celeste Desjardins.
While she has never exactly transitioned into a mainstream Hollywood blockbuster, Celeste has roles of varying significance on shows like "Taken" and "Flower Shop Mysteries." Also, she has more than 136k followers on Instagram, so that's something to write home about, right?
David Pastrnak and Rebecca Rohlson
There is no denying that David Pastrnak and his girlfriend Rebecca Rohlson have been through a lot over the years. The right winger known as "Pasta" by teammates and fans alike has been with the Boston Bruins for the good part of a decade and has even represented his country of birth at international level, the Czech Republic.
He has been with Rebecaa for a while now. Sadly, their firstborn son, who was born in June 2021, passed away just six days after his birth. Needless to say, it was a heartbreaking moment for the couple. Thankfully though, they were determined to continue building their family and had a baby girl about two years later.
Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Hannah Bellemare
Over the years, French center/left wing Pierre-Édouard Bellemare had plied his trade for many NHL giants including the Vegas Golden Knights, the Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently, the Seattle Kraken. And it's not just his professional life where Bellemare has been doing exceedingly well. Behind the scenes, Pierre-Edouard has built a beautiful family, having been with his wife Hannah for quite some time now.
They have had two kids over the years and during the off-season, they like to spend quality time together in Sweden. As for Hannah, she is something of a gastro-sommelier, who specializes in food and wine pairings. She is a qualified wine educator and provides consultations.
Ilya Bryzgalov and Yevgeniya Bryzgalov
Another NHL couple who like to keep their private life close to their chest is Ilya Bryzgalov and his wife Yevgeniya. Ilya is a successful goalkeeper who played for many teams over the course of his illustrious career. These include the Phoenix Coyotes, the Anaheim Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers, and more.
He also took great pride in representing the Russian national team. Together, Ilya and Yevgeniya have two kids - a son called Vladislav and a girl called Valery. Now that he is retired from the beautiful game, Ilya likes to spend quality time with his family, and his Siberian husky, reading, and studying philosophy too.
Maxim Afinogenov and Elena Dementieva
Both people in this relationship have excelled in their respective sports - and not many couples on this list can brag about that. While Maxim Afinogenov was certainly a talented form ice hockey player, his wife Elena Dementieva was just as prolific on the tennis courts. Elena competed at the highest level, winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In 2011, Elena tied the knot with Maxim in Moscow, Russia. Together, they welcomed their two children into the world. Their first, Veronika, was born in 2014, while their second, Sergey, showed up in 2016! This is one of the most impressive power couples on the entire list, for sure.
Mariusz Czerkawski and Izabella Scorupco
While they might not be together anymore, we thought it was worth including these two for the sheer star power. You probably recognize Izabella Scorupco's face. Why? Because she was a Bond girl, of course! That's right, this Polish-Swedish actress played a prominent role alongside Pierce Brosnan in the hit movie "Goldeneye."
Around that time, Scorupco tied the knot with NHL player Mariusz Czerkawski, who played for numerous teams such as the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the marriage was short-lived and they went their separate ways in 1998. Since then, Mariusz has married Emilia Raszynska, while Scorupco has been married two more times.
Mats Sundin and Josephine Johansson
It's been a while since Mats Sundin was gliding up and down the ice rinks of the NHL. The talented centre once plied his trade at the Quebec Nordiques and the Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In 2008, when he received a leadership award, Sundin announced his engagement to his girlfriend of one year, Josephine Johansson.
About a year later, the two Swedish lovebirds tied the knot in a pretty glamourous wedding, with a guestlist exceeding 200 people. Many of his former teammates showed up to celebrate with them. Since then, the couple have had three kids - one girl and two boys.
Bret Hedican and Kristi Yamaguchi
Here is another example of a sports couple, with either party excelling in a different sport. Bret Hedican is the hockey representative, while Kristi Yamaguchi was an incredible figure skater in her heyday. Bret played for the likes of the Vancouver Canucks back in the day and eventually represented Team US at the 1992 Olympics Winter Games.
It was here where he met Kristi, who was also competing for the US. While Bret wasn't as fortunate at that tournament, Kristi walked away with the gold. But in hindsight, both consider themselves winners, as they fell in love during their time there. Since then, they have married and had two daughters.