Relationships form a cornerstone in the lives of most of us, celebrity or otherwise. It seems to be the case that those who find themselves in a position of fame, be it in the entertainment industry, sports, or otherwise, face unique relationship struggles often as a direct result of their incredible lifestyles. NHL players are no different, with many a star unequivocally attributing both success and downfalls to their paramours. In this article, we will take a look at some of these stars, or to be more specific, at the partners that play such a monumental role in their careers. While constant travel and the various responsibilities that seem glamorous may be alluring to those craving a similar status, the truth is that the pressures on these athletes put a strain on the normal everyday things that other couples take for granted.
Elisha Cuthbert – Dion Phaneuf
The name may strike you as familiar. This is because Elisha Cuthbert has a successful background in television acting. She played a role in Fox’s breakout hit, ‘24’. She also had a role in the titular teen comedy, ‘The Girl Next Door’. A Canadian national, Cuthbert met her future husband at a social event. Married to fellow Canadian and NHL star player Dion Phaneuf, the two have managed to keep their union a happy one since their matrimony in 2013.
Elisha Cuthbert Dion Phaneuf
Nicole Arruda – Drew Doughty
Drew and Nicole make for a picture-perfect representation of a happy couple. They may have a secret weapon, in that the two are high school sweethearts. Alt captain for the Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty met Nicole Arruda while they were both still in school. They were wed in Canada, although these days they do spend the majority of their time in Los Angeles on account of Drew’s career. Drew’s explanation of the rigors of fatherhood, and how Nicole makes the challenges and time constraints he faces seem comparatively easy, with her carrying much of the burdens of parenting when he is away for work. The couple shares two healthy children.
Nicole Arruda Drew Doughty
Erin Andrews – Jarret Stoll
Erin met her future husband, Jarret Stoll through her work. The ESPN sportscaster started dating Stoll, a former NHL league Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers player after covering a story on his career. Andrews had been a correspondent with ESPN before later joining them full time. In 2012 she made the move to FOX Sports, now working as the lead sideline reporter for the network’s NFL broadcasting team. She placed third in ABC’s Dancing With The Stars in 2010. Andrews and Stolls got engaged in 2016. A year-long engagement followed, with their wedding taking place in 2017.
Erin Andrews Jarret Stoll
Carrie Underwood – Mike Fisher
American Idols alum, Carrie Underwood, is no stranger to the spotlight. Arguably more famous than her NHL star husband, Mike Fisher. Underwood won the 2005 season of the phenomenally popular television show. She and her now-husband met through an elaborate hookup by Underwood’s bassist, Mark Childers. The bassist playing cupid had arranged for Fisher to come backstage at one of her shows for the post-performance meet-and-greet. The two hit it off immediately, leading to an eight-month engagement in December 2009 that saw the couple wed in 2010. The couple shares two sons, Michael and Jacob, and to this day their commitment to their marriage and their family remains as strong as ever.
Carrie Underwood Mike Fisher
Anastasia Shubskaya – Alexander Ovechkin
Anastasia Shubskaya is the daughter of prodigious actor and director Vera Glagogeva and the shipbuilding mogul Kirill Shubskaya. Shubskaya and Ovechkin found themselves quite inseparable since their fated meeting in 2015, which saw them wed mere months later. Their wedding was described as a private function, held in Ovechkin’s native Russia. Their union was announced on social media, with him posting that ‘this is happiness’ to his Twitter account shortly after. The couple shares two children. Sergei, born in 2018, and Ilya, born in May 2020.
Anastasia Shubskaya Alexander Ovechkin
Stephanie Bergeron – Patrice Bergeron
The incredibly private Stephanie Bergeron and her future husband, Patrice were wed in 2013, seven years after they first started dating. The wedding took place after the hockey season of 2013 had come to a close. Mrs. Bergeron is a Laval University alum. The couple spends their time between their respective hometowns of Quebec and Boston. Their firstborn was welcomed into the world in 2015, mere hours prior to an NHL game that Patrice was contractually obliged to play in. Their second child, Victoria was born in 2017, followed in 2018 by the youngest member of the Bergeron family, a baby boy named Noah.
Stephanie Bergeron Patrice Bergeron
Angela Price – Carey Price
Angela Webber was never big on hockey, or the NHL. Price is a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens (yes, that is the correct spelling). Despite her lack of interest in his profession, the two enjoyed a budding relationship that blossomed into a happy marriage. Their wedding took place in 2016, with them moving to Kelowna, British Columbia. The couple shares three children. Liv, Mille, and Lincoln, with the latter born in October 2020. Angela and Carey both prioritize their family life. Angela has a personal blog called By Angela, showcasing special moments in their lives.
Angela Price Carey Price
Christina Sirignano – Matt Murray
Another example of a high school sweetheart in the ranks of the NHL. The couple hail from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Christina and Matt had been together since their formative years, and she had been supportive of his ambitions since the beginning of her career. Matt Murray, the goaltender for the Ottowa Senators attributes much of his career to this support. The couple got married in 2019, and currently reside in Ottawa. Their first child, born only recently in January 2021 has brought a new dimension to their already happy union.
Christina Sirignano Matt Murray
Lucy Cashin – Jake Gardiner
A former Toronto Maple Leafs player, Jake Gardiner is now officially with the Carolina Hurricanes. He and his wife Lucy Cashin met in 2013. Lucy is an entrepreneurial fitness instructor and social media influencer. Four years after meeting the two got married in July 2017. 2018 saw the couple welcome their first child into the world. Baby Henry John Gardiner was born a week prematurely, but the couple was fortunate enough to be surrounded by supporting loved ones and family. They have enjoyed the transition into parenthood.
Lucy Cashin Jake Gardiner
Kristy Muscolino – Corey Crawford
The two-time Stanley Cup winner, Corey Crawford got married to girlfriend Kristy Muscolino in 2019. The couple has been together since 2016. Kristy works in the fashion industry in Chicago. A year after they started dating they welcomed their first child, Cooper into the world. In April 2020 Kristy and Corey announced the birth of their second baby boy, Camden Emery Crawford. The couple spends as much family time with their boys as possible, with family definitely being a major priority for both parents, even with their busy work schedules. 2020 has, as a silver lining, making it possible for them to spend a lot more time with the boys, be it time spent at home under mandatory lockdown.
Kristy Muscolino Corey Crawford
Emma Andersson – Henrik Zetterberg
The popular Swedish television personality and musician Emma Andersson and NHL star Henrik Zetterberg have been together for well over a decade now, with the couple still happily married. Their 2008 engagement was followed by a wedding ceremony in Mölle in their home country of Sweden. The Detroit Red Wings legend and his celebrity wife have made for a formidable power couple over the years. Henrik retired in 2018, and the couple decided to settle down in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where they raise their son, Love Zetterberg. The family often spends summers in Sweden at their summer home.
Emma Andersson Henrik Zetterberg
Noureen DeWulf – Ryan Miller
Noureen DeWulf is a popular actor with roles in both movies and TV series. Her most famous role to date and probably most recognizable character is Anger Management’s ‘Lacey’. Her husband, Ryan Miller is an unrestricted free agent in the NHL. They tied the knot in Vancouver in 2011. The couple welcomed their first child, Bodhu Ryan Miller into the world in 2015. Both Noureen and Ryan are still active in their respective careers, making sure to spend enough family time together.
Noureen DeWulf Ryan Miller
Susan Holder – Brent Burns
Susan Holder is a graduate of Houston State and a former eBay employee. Her husband, Brent Burns is a Canadian hockey player and alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL. Holder and Burns were married in 2009. The family lives in San Jose, with Susan making a point to attend all of Brent’s games. Their first daughter, Peyton Gabriann Patrick was born in 2010, followed by their son Jagger Stephen Patrick in the following year. The birth of their daughter Olivia in 2018 rounds out the family. The couple spends a great deal of family time together.
Susan Holder Brent Burns
Sára Olivová – Petr Mrázek
Olivová is a professional beach volleyball player and Georgia State Bsc graduate. Her husband Petr Mrázek is a goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes. Petr Mrázek holds his wife in the highest esteem, calling her a real-life ‘warrior’ for undergoing multiple knee surgeries after play professional volleyball for months with a torn meniscus. They got married in a private ceremony. The couple is reported to live a quiet home life away from scandal. Both are celebrated athletes in their respected disciplines and the couple is a tour de force when it comes to power couples in the world of sports.
Sara Olivova Petr Mrazek
Ellie Ottaway – Roman Josi
Roman Josi, a Swiss national, is the captain of the NHL team, the Nashville Predators. Playing for Switzerland in 2010, his team won a silver medal. Ellie Ottaway is a Belmont University graduate with a degree in Entertainment and Business Management. When a number of high profile companies approached her to model for their ad campaigns, she made the decision to pursue modeling as a full-time career. The couple met in 2015, and after a long and tested relationship and engagement, they were wed in 2019.
Ellie Ottaway Roman Josi
Jasmine Maggard – Cam Fowler
The relationship between this couple echoes a romance tale for the ages. The NHL defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks met his future wife, Jasmine Maggard at a bonfire party when they were both still in high school. Maggard hails from Michigan and attended Pioneer High in Ann Arbor. The two have been a fixture in each other’s lives since then. Ten years into their relationship the couple got engaged and were married before 179 witnesses in their hometown of Orchard Lake in Michigan.
Jasmine Maggard Cam Fowler
Brenna McGuire – Brandon Dubinsky
Brandon Dubinsky’s professional career kicked off in 2004, and he currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brenna McGuire is a model who resided in the same building in Manhattan that Dubinsky did at the time. They met through mutual friends. Dubinsky proposed in 2011, choosing the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula for the special moment. One year later they were married in Palm Beach. In 2014 the couple welcomed their firstborn son, Brady Charles into the world. They enjoy happy family life with both parents dedicated to their family.
Brenna McGuire Brandon Dubinsky
Alexa DelGreco – John Gibson
Another storybook romances between a seemingly fated couple, Gibson and DelGreco have known each other since before waking memory, with the two having attended the same kindergarten. They were schoolmates until they were 14 years old, only losing contact after Gibson’s hockey career took off. They soon reconnected, and after a three and a half year-long relationship, Gibson proposed. The 2016 proposal was followed by their wedding, which coincided with an eight-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks. DelGreco has been quoted as saying that ‘shortly after reconnecting’, the couple knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
Alexa DelGreco John Gibson
Kelly Williams – Justin Williams
Another three-time Stanley Cup winner to make our list, Justin Williams’ impressive career has seen him play for a number of NHL teams. The list includes the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Kings. Justin and his then-fiancé were married in August 2006. The couple has two children together. Their eldest son Jaxon, and Jade who is three years younger. The family resides in Cary, North Carolina. Williams’ retirement from the NHL purportedly sees him embracing his role as the father of two, with him apparently coaching sports, attending school recitals, and helping the kids with their homework assignments.
Kelly Williams Justin Williams
Anna Kasterova – Evgeni Malkin
Anna Kasterova is a famous Russian TV and media personality. Drawn to her on-screen appearances, Malkin apparently found himself compelled to reach out to Anna. The two chatted via text messages for three years before really meeting face to face. Soon after meeting, they found themselves in a long-distance relationship that culminated in their 2015 engagement. Not long after Kasterova gave birth to the couple’s firstborn son, Nikita. They were married in May 2016 and Anna decided to move to the US permanently in support of her husband’s career. The two share a happy home and nuptial bliss. Anna is famously charitable, often engaging in awareness for orphanages and making personal donations to various charity groups.
Anna Kasterova Evgeni Malkin
Naomi Starr – David Krejčí
Krejčí boasts a commendable career. An impressive NHL player who also participated in two Winter Olympics events for the Czech National Hockey Team. Currently, he is the alternative captain for the Boston NHL team. Naomi is a Watertown Massachusetts local. The couple started seeing each other in 2009, and their relationship blossomed into an engagement that culminated in their nuptial ceremony in 2014. Their daughter, Elina, was born in 2015. Krejčí reportedly had to play in a game shortly after his son was born in 2019. Dedication (as well as a contractual obligation) made the story a headline in the sporting world.
Naomi Starr David Krejcí
Ashley Groissaint – Matt Duchene
Ashley Groissaint is a very private person, keeping details of her life prior to marrying Duchene to herself. While this sort of privacy always sparks speculation amongst the most deplorable media outlets, it would seem that hers is an honest desire to remain a non-topic while focussing on her life with her family. The two were together for seven years prior to their wedding, a bespoke ceremony that took place in the woods. Their daughter, Jaymes Olivia Duchene was born in November 2020, and it can be assumed that the new parents are settling into their new role, and focussing their time and energy on their family life.
Ashley Groissaint Matt Duchene
Nicole Brown – Dustin Brown
Dustin Brown’s entry into the NHL came in the form of his debut with the Los Angeles Kings. He has been with the team ever since, which makes his tenure impressive in the world of team switching and player contract sales. He plays as a right-winger for the popular NHL team. Dustin and his wife Nicole Brown have been together for over fifteen years. They are known for their charitable financial donations and support of various important charities across the United States. The couple share three sons and a daughter. Jacob Austin Brown was born in February 2008. The following year they welcomed son Mason Brown to the family. In 2011 the youngest of the three sons, Cooper Ellis Brown joined the ever-expanding Brown Family. Finally, Daughter Mackenzie Brown rounded out the lot in 2013. This big family is clearly a happy family, with devoted parents who make for excellent role models for their, and many other children.
Nicole Brown Dustin Brown
Gena Lee Nolin and Cale Hulse
Both members of this dynamic duo have enjoyed success in their respective pursuits. Gena Lee Nolin enjoyed a successful acting career. Her debut TV role was on 1994’s The Price Is Right, where she was cast as one of the (unfortunately named) Barker’s Beauties. While the former may be rescinded by modern sensibilities, her next role on the show Bay Watch as Neely Capshaw saw her become an icon of the 90s and a part of venerated TV history. Nolan and former NHL defenceman Cale Hulse were married in 2004. The ceremony took place in Arizona. The couple shares two children. Hudson, born in 2006, and Stella, born two years later in 2008. The couple is both retired, affording them the luxury of spending the precious formative years that most parents largely miss out on with their children.
Gena Lee Nolin And Cale Hulse
Donya Lehner – Robin Lehner
Currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL star saw his career take off when he was offered an opportunity to play for the Ottawa Senators. Robin’s Wife, Donya, is perhaps a more private person. In this day and age, there might be a misconstrued truth, as the assumption is based on the fact that she doesn’t post her life verbatim to social media, something that seems to equate elusiveness rather than the more obvious wisdom of the practice. The couple has been married since 2014. Their first child arrived in October of the same year. Lennox was born to the couple when Robin was only 23 years old. 2017 saw the arrival of their daughter, Zoe. The family is moving to Las Vegas pending a contractual agreement worth $25 million between Robin and the Golden Knights.
Donya Lehner Robin Lehner
Ksenia Vasilevskiy – Andrei Vasilevskiy
Meeting by chance on a plane headed for Moscow, the couple seemingly had one of the more improbably encounters one might imagine. Ksenia was on a trip heading home, and Andrei was playing in the Russian junior hockey league, with a stop in Moscow on the itinerary. The two hit it off and exchanged information. They then continued the connection over social media. The connection between the two was unstoppable, culminating in their 2014 wedding. They moved to New York, where their first son Lukas was born shortly after. Lucas arrived early, with Ksenia going into labor and delivering while Andrei was playing in an NHL game.
Ksenia Vasilevskiy Andrei Vasilevskiy
Petra Halák – Jaroslav Halák
Petra is another of the more private NHL wives. A perfectly reasonable stance to take that should be respected. Her husband, Jaroslav Halák is a goaltender for the Boston Bruins. Prior to signing his now re-signed two-year contract with the Boston Bruins, Jaroslav Halák was an NHL free agent. He is famous in his home country of Slovakia, whom he represented in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 2010 saw the national team reach an all-time highest achievement of placing fourth. Petra and Jaroslav were married in 2012 and share two children, daughter Inna, and son Nathan.
Petra Halak Jaroslav Halak
Véronique Larose – Marc-André Fleury
The Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-André Fleury is married to Canadian-born Véronique Larose. Apparently, when the two were children they lived on the same street. The connection between them saw them married in 2012. The ceremony took place in Montreal. Véronique is the co-owner of Alex et Estelle, a children’s clothing line. The happy couple shares two daughters and a son and enjoy family time together whenever possible. Dad Marc-André may be busy with his various professional obligations, but his wife assures fans that he makes plenty of time for her and the kids.
Veronique Larose Marc Andre Fleury
Brandi Bodnar – Braden Holtby
Braden Holtby, the current goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks and wif Brandi Bodnar dated for many years before finally tying the knot. Brandi is active on social media, sharing special moments with the couple’s two children. After getting married in 2013 the couple soon welcomed their son Benjamin Hunter into their lives, and it wasn’t long before the family of three become a family of four, with the birth of daughter Belle Scarlett. Recently the couple has been in the news regarding an incident where Braden was stopped at the Canadian border and not allowed entrance to his native Canada because of confusion regarding the legality of him bringing two tortoises into the country. Brandi would have none of it and quickly lobbied her husbands’ immediate re-entry into the country.
Brandi Bodnar Braden Holtby
Julie Leshkevich – Justin Abdelkader
Justin is making a name for himself since debuting in the NHL. First drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2005, his career has gone from strength to strength. Justin and Julie met during their time at Michigan State University. Justin proposed to Julie at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The couple was wed in 2017 atop the Detroit Opera House, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Their first child was born in 2018.
Julie Leshkevich Justin Abdelkader
Lucie Šafářová – Tomas Plekanec
The former Montreal Canadiens player is currently playing center for HC Kometa Brno. He and tennis star Lucie Šafářová started seeing each other romantically in 2017. Šafářová has won seven singles titles and fifteen doubles titles on the WTA Tour. She retired in 2019, soon thereafter posting to social media that she was pregnant. The couples’ daughter, Lea was born in December of the same year. The couple still enjoys a happy relationship, with both parents playing an active role in the upbringing of little Lea.
Lucie Safarova Tomas Plekanec
Lauren Oshie – T.J. Oshie
In his decade-spanning career, T.J Oshie has played in an impressive 700+ NHL games. He has played for the St. Louis Blues and The Washington Capitals. In his time with the Capitals, he helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2018. His success doesn’t end there. A committed family man, Oshie enjoys his famously happy family life. He and his wife Lauren met in 2011. The couple dated for four years and said their vows in 2015. The Oshie family resides in McLean, Virginia, where they raise their two daughters and their son. Lauren has a large social media following, with over 215k followers on Instagram alone.
Lauren Oshie TJ Oshie
Melissa Shouldice – Gabriel Landeskog
Landeskog currently holds the position of captain of the Colorado Avalanche NHL team. His wife Melissa keeps a low public profile, avoiding social media. In an interview with Colorado Homes & Lifestyle, she mentioned having a degree in psychology and a passion for design and aesthetics. The couple got married at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport, CA in July 2018. At the time of their daughter’s birth, Gabriel was out of action as a result of an injury. A challenge with a huge silver lining, as he was able to be present for Linnea Raw Landeskog’s birth and first months in the world.
Melissa Shouldice Gabriel Landeskog
Tatiana Chara – Zdeno Chara
Chara is a professional hockey player in Slovakia, currently working as a free agent. Tatiana and Chara met in 1997 when she was working in Ottawa as an engineer. The two enjoyed a decade long relationship before finally getting married in 2007. In 2016, they became the lucky parents of twins Zack and Ben. The couple both have prospective careers lined up for the next chapter of their lives, although with an estimated net worth of $50 Million, there is no real pressure on this happy family to seek any additional income.
Tatiana Chara Zdeno Chara
Sydney Esiason – Matt Martin
Another unrestricted free agent to make our list, Martin was originally drafted into the NHL in 2008. His wife Sydney is no stranger to the world of sporting superstardom, being that she is the daughter of the NFL legend Boomer Esiason. Sydney has held a number of jobs in the field of sports media, no doubt bolstered by a lifetime of experience and exposure to the world of sports broadcasting. In March 2018 the couple announced their engagement. They said their vows in June 2019, and welcomed their first child to the world in July 2020, naming them Windsor Grace.
Sydney Esiason Matt Martin
Brandy Johnson – Andrew Ladd
After a successful 12-year career Andrew Ladd joined the New York Islanders to become their newest member. He and his wife were married in 2011. Brandy received her Doctorate of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry. During Ladd’s time with the Winnipeg Jets Brandy served as a board member of the True North Foundation. In her five-year tenure, she was the acting liaison between the foundation and the partners of the players. The couple shares a beautiful family with three children, and they run the Ladd Foundation, a charity to aid the less fortunate.
Brandy Johnson Andrew Ladd
Mathilda Jansson – Viktor Stålberg
Over the course of his career, Stålberg has played for a number of NHL teams. The list includes the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers, and the Chicago Blackhawks. In his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team won the 2013 Stanley Cup. He and his now-wife, Mathilda got married in 2018. The couple is clearly very much in love with Stålberg frequently gushing over his wife on his Instagram. They share two children and now live in Switzerland.
Mathilda Jansson Viktor Stalberg
Lauren Kyle – Conner McDaid
The couple is yet to announce an engagement or wedding plans, but the two certainly seem rather serious about the relationship. They have recently moved in together. Their new home was designed by Lauren. She is the owner of interior design company Kyle & Company, an Edmonton based design studio. The two live happily with their dog, Leonard.
Lauren Kyle Conner McDaid
Lucia Slaninkova – Tomas Tatar
The Slovakian left-winger Thomas Tatar currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens. First drafted into the NHL by the Detroit Red Wings in 2009, the team would launch his career and see him through more than half of his career to date. Tatar and long-term girlfriend Lucia Slaninkova are very private, keeping their personal life out of the prying eyes of the public. Lucia is a Slovenian pageant winner and Miss Universe 2013 runner-up. Her Instagram page has 64k followers, with her primarily posting about fashion, skincare, and makeup. Their Pomeranian, Lara, has a social media presence of her own.
Lucia Slaninkova Tomas Tatar
Kelly Tyson – Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba met their future wife Kelly Tyson on Halloween in 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The two were still attending college, with Tyson going to Australia after graduating to pursue her master’s degree. The two separated before the move, one might speculate as to a rational decision in the face of an extremely long-distance relationship. Trouba later visited Tyson in Sydney, a visit that saw the couple reunited. Tyson currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, completing her degree in medicine. She plans to do her residency in New York to be closer to Trobua. He values her career as much as he does his own and supports her decisions to pursue her passion in the medical field.
Kelly Tyson Jacob Trouba