Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Alex Vlasic is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 5, 2001, in Wilmette, Illinois, Vlasic is known for his size, defensive awareness, and ability to compete against some of the NHL’s most talented forwards.
Selected 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Draft, Vlasic developed through the Chicago Mission, USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, and Boston University before beginning his professional career in 2022.
Beyond his achievements on the ice, Alex comes from a family with strong connections to hockey. His parents are John Vlasic and Tara Vlasic, and he has two older siblings: Eric Vlasic and Emma Vlasic.
His cousin, former San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Édouard Vlasic, has also been an important influence on his career.
While his family relationships are well documented, Alex has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend, wife, or children.
Does Alex Vlasic Have a Girlfriend?
Payton Hielscher is the girlfriend—and now fiancée—of professional hockey player Alex Vlasic. The couple has been in a long-term relationship, frequently sharing glimpses of their travels, vacations, and celebrations on the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman’s social media accounts. Although she maintains a private and low-profile presence on Instagram (@paytonhielscher), Payton often appears in posts shared on Alex Vlasic’s official account, most notably on his birthday, May 7th. After dating for several years, the couple took the next step in their relationship by officially announcing their engagement in February 2026.
Does Alex Vlasic Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Alex Vlasic has any children.
The American hockey player has not publicly announced becoming a father, and reliable sports profiles do not identify any sons or daughters.
Vlasic has generally kept his personal relationships and family plans outside the public spotlight while concentrating on his NHL career.
Who Are Alex Vlasic’s Parents?
Alex Vlasic’s parents are John Vlasic and Tara Vlasic. They raised Alex and his two older siblings in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago.
Their identities are confirmed by Boston University’s official athletics biography, USA Hockey, NHL.com, and the NHL Players’ Association.
Both parents have Canadian roots and helped establish a family environment where ice hockey became an important part of everyday life.
John played competitive hockey during his younger years, while Tara worked in education and supported her children’s sporting activities.
Alex Vlasic’s Father: John Vlasic
John Vlasic is Alex Vlasic’s father and a former junior hockey player.
He grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he developed an interest in ice hockey.
According to NHL.com, John played junior hockey while living in Montreal and continued participating in recreational adult leagues after relocating to Chicago in 1985.
His enthusiasm for the sport influenced all three of his children.
When Alex, Eric, and Emma were young, John constructed an outdoor skating rink in the family’s backyard in Wilmette.
The rink allowed the children to practice hockey during the winter without traveling to an indoor arena.
John maintained the ice throughout the season and encouraged the siblings to enjoy skating together.
Alex later explained that spending time on the backyard rink was one of his favorite childhood experiences.
Although the activities were informal, they helped him develop skating skills, confidence, and a love for hockey.
The three siblings regularly organized games, with Eric serving as the goaltender while Alex and Emma practiced shooting and skating.
John also played a role in Alex’s development as a defenseman.
In a January 2018 USA Hockey interview, Alex explained that his father and cousin Marc-Édouard Vlasic influenced his decision to switch from forward to defense at approximately nine years old.
John’s experience playing defense helped Alex understand the responsibilities associated with the position.
John Vlasic’s Support for His Son’s NHL Career
John continued supporting Alex as he progressed through the Chicago Mission youth hockey organization and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
When Chicago selected Alex in the 2019 NHL Draft, the achievement was especially meaningful because the family had supported the Blackhawks for many years.
John subsequently watched his son develop through Boston University and eventually reach the NHL.
In December 2024, NHL.com interviewed John ahead of the Blackhawks’ outdoor game at Wrigley Field.
He expressed pride in his son’s professional development and explained how special it was to watch Alex represent their hometown team.
Because the family still lived in the Chicago area, John and Tara could attend many of their son’s home games.
The arrangement allowed the family to remain closely connected despite the demands of Alex’s professional career.
Alex Vlasic’s Mother: Tara Vlasic
Tara Vlasic is Alex Vlasic’s mother and a retired French teacher.
She worked at Wilmette Junior High School for approximately 28 years before retiring in June 2023.
Her professional background was documented in a November 2023 Chicago Sun-Times feature about Alex and his family.
Although Tara did not play competitive hockey herself, she became deeply involved in supporting her children’s sporting interests.
She helped raise Eric, Emma, and Alex in a household where hockey was a regular part of family life.
During their childhood, the siblings spent considerable time playing mini-stick hockey in the basement and skating on their father’s backyard rink.
Tara and John encouraged the children to remain active and pursue their interests.
In a January 2018 interview with USA Hockey, Alex recalled that his parents introduced him to skating at approximately three years old.
His first experience on the ice was not particularly enjoyable because he initially refused to skate.
However, his parents encouraged him to continue trying, and he eventually developed a strong passion for the sport.
Tara Vlasic’s Relationship With Alex
Tara has maintained a close relationship with Alex throughout his hockey career.
After he became an established NHL player, he moved into an apartment in downtown Chicago.
However, he continued visiting his parents at their home in Wilmette.
In a November 2023 Chicago Sun-Times interview, Alex explained that returning home for family dinners helped him temporarily escape the pressures of professional hockey.
He particularly appreciated spending time with his parents and enjoying ordinary family activities away from the rink.
Tara also expressed pride in seeing her son play for the organization the family had supported throughout his childhood.
She regularly attended Blackhawks games with John and other relatives.
The family’s continued involvement has remained an important part of Alex’s professional journey.
Alex Vlasic’s Siblings
Alex Vlasic has two older siblings: Eric Vlasic and Emma Vlasic.
He is the youngest of three children born to John and Tara Vlasic.
Both siblings have substantial connections to ice hockey and helped influence Alex’s development.
Their relationships are confirmed by official Chicago Blackhawks reporting, NHL.com, and the NHL Players’ Association.
Eric Vlasic – Alex Vlasic’s Older Brother
Eric Vlasic is Alex Vlasic’s oldest brother and an ice hockey goaltender.
He grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and developed an interest in hockey during childhood.
Eric has played for the Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team, an organization that provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to participate in ice hockey.
He has participated in the program for many years and has served as one of the team’s captains.
According to the NHL Players’ Association, Eric has competed in tournaments throughout the United States.
He was also recognized as the 2016 Player of the Year in the Chicago Blackhawks Special Hockey Program.
His achievements demonstrate his dedication to the sport and his contributions to adaptive hockey.
Eric Vlasic’s Hockey Career and Relationship With Alex
Growing up, Eric regularly played goaltender when Alex and Emma organized hockey games in the family’s backyard.
The three siblings also played mini-stick hockey in their basement, imagining themselves competing for professional teams.
Alex has credited Eric with helping make hockey an enjoyable part of his childhood.
In a December 2024 NHL Players’ Association interview, Alex praised his brother’s enthusiasm and dedication to the game.
He explained that Eric was one of his biggest supporters and regularly followed his professional career.
Eric also maintains a particular interest in professional goaltenders and their equipment.
During the Blackhawks’ preparations for the 2024 Winter Classic, Alex arranged for his brother to receive professional goaltending equipment as a Christmas gift.
The brothers shared another memorable experience when Eric joined Alex on the ice during a family skating event at Wrigley Field.
In a December 30, 2024, NHL.com blog, Alex described the experience as particularly meaningful because it allowed them to share the excitement of an NHL outdoor game.
A 2026 profile published by the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois also recognized Eric’s longstanding contributions to the Chicago Storm Special Hockey program.
Emma Vlasic – Alex Vlasic’s Older Sister
Emma Vlasic is Alex Vlasic’s older sister and a former professional women’s ice hockey player.
Born on September 2, 1996, Emma grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, where she developed a passion for hockey alongside her brothers.
She attended New Trier High School before continuing her hockey career at Yale University.
At Yale, Emma played as a forward for the Bulldogs women’s hockey team.
She competed for four seasons and became an important member of the program.
During her senior year in 2018–19, she served as team captain.
Her leadership and work ethic helped establish her as a role model for younger players, including her brother Alex.
Emma Vlasic’s Professional Hockey Career
After graduating from Yale, Emma continued playing competitive hockey at the professional level.
She joined the Connecticut Whale in the National Women’s Hockey League, later known as the Premier Hockey Federation.
Emma played four professional seasons with Connecticut.
During her playing career, she became recognized for her leadership, dedication, and experience.
She subsequently moved into coaching after completing her professional playing career.
Her hockey achievements are documented by NHL.com, the NHL Players’ Association, and Yale University athletics records.
How Emma Vlasic Influenced Alex’s Hockey Career
Emma played an important role in Alex’s development as a young defenseman.
Because she was older and already competing at a high level, Alex frequently looked to her as an example.
The siblings regularly practiced together on their backyard rink.
Emma played forward while Alex defended against her during informal one-on-one games.
These sessions helped him improve his positioning, skating, and defensive decision-making.
Emma also encouraged Alex to take physical conditioning seriously.
During an interview published by the NHL Players’ Association in December 2024, Alex recalled that his sister regularly encouraged him to complete running and conditioning exercises during the summer.
Although he did not always enjoy the additional training, he later recognized its importance.
Alex has repeatedly praised Emma’s work ethic and credited her with helping him develop into a professional hockey player.
Emma has similarly expressed pride in her younger brother’s achievements with their hometown NHL team.
Does Alex Vlasic Have Any Other Siblings?
No additional siblings are identified in the family’s official hockey profiles.
Alex is consistently described as the youngest of three children, with one older brother, Eric, and one older sister, Emma.
Alex Vlasic’s Cousin: Marc-Édouard Vlasic
One of the most recognizable members of Alex Vlasic’s extended family is his cousin, Marc-Édouard Vlasic.
Marc-Édouard is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman best known for his lengthy NHL career with the San Jose Sharks.
Born on March 30, 1987, in Montreal, Quebec, he was selected 35th overall by San Jose in the 2005 NHL Draft.
He subsequently became one of the organization’s longest-serving players.
Marc-Édouard also represented Canada internationally and helped the national team win a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
His professional achievements made him an important role model for Alex and his siblings.
In a March 2019 NHL.com interview, Alex explained that having a successful NHL player in his family made the possibility of reaching the league feel more realistic.
As a child, Alex admired his cousin’s defensive abilities and tried to learn from his playing style.
How Marc-Édouard Vlasic Inspired Alex
The two cousins maintained contact through family gatherings and hockey events.
According to a December 2024 NHL Players’ Association feature, the Vlasic family has a cottage in Nova Scotia, Canada.
During visits, Alex occasionally spent time with Marc-Édouard and other relatives.
When Marc-Édouard played against the Blackhawks in Chicago, Alex and his family sometimes attended games and met him afterward.
Emma also recalled that her cousin’s NHL success helped strengthen the family’s enthusiasm for hockey.
For Alex, watching an established relative succeed as a professional defenseman reinforced his own ambitions.
The family connection became an interesting storyline when Chicago selected Alex in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Alex Vlasic’s Family Background and Early Life
Alex Vlasic was born on June 5, 2001, in Wilmette, Illinois, United States.
His parents had Canadian backgrounds, while his father had played hockey during his youth in Montreal.
The family settled in Wilmette, where Alex and his siblings grew up supporting the Chicago Blackhawks.
John constructed a backyard ice rink, providing the children with opportunities to skate and play together.
Alex began skating at approximately three years old.
Although he initially disliked the experience, he eventually developed a passion for hockey.
He started his youth hockey career with the Wilmette Braves before joining the Chicago Mission.
As he grew older, Alex became recognized for his size, skating ability, and defensive instincts.
He initially played forward but switched to defense when he was approximately nine years old.
His father’s experience and his admiration for cousin Marc-Édouard helped influence the decision.
Alex subsequently joined USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, where he competed against some of the strongest young players in the country.
Alex Vlasic’s College Hockey Career
After completing his development with USA Hockey, Vlasic enrolled at Boston University.
He played three seasons for the Terriers men’s hockey program from 2019 to 2022.
During his freshman season, he appeared in 34 games and recorded four assists.
He continued developing his defensive responsibilities and became an important member of the team.
During the 2021–22 season, Vlasic served as an assistant captain.
He recorded one goal and seven assists in 32 games and led Boston University with 51 blocked shots.
He also earned Hockey East All-Star recognition.
By the end of his collegiate career, he had recorded four goals and 16 assists in 82 games.
His development convinced the Chicago Blackhawks that he was ready to begin his professional career.
How Alex Vlasic’s Family Supported His NHL Career
Alex Vlasic’s family has supported his hockey ambitions since childhood.
His father, John, introduced him to the sport and built the backyard rink where the siblings practiced together.
His mother, Tara, helped manage family responsibilities while encouraging all three children to pursue their interests.
His brother, Eric, made hockey an enjoyable part of his childhood, while his sister, Emma, provided an example of dedication and competitive achievement.
On June 22, 2019, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Alex in the second round of the NHL Draft with the 43rd overall pick.
The selection was particularly special because the family had supported Chicago for many years.
On March 15, 2022, Alex signed his first professional contract with the Blackhawks.
He made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on March 19, 2022.
After spending time developing with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League, he became a regular NHL defenseman during the 2023–24 season.
His parents continued attending games at the United Center, allowing the family to celebrate his achievements together.
Alex Vlasic’s Family at the NHL Winter Classic
One of the family’s most memorable hockey experiences occurred during the 2025 NHL Winter Classic, played on December 31, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
The Blackhawks faced the St. Louis Blues in an outdoor game at the historic baseball stadium.
Alex’s parents, John and Tara, and his older siblings, Eric and Emma, attended the event.
The occasion was particularly meaningful because the family had grown up supporting Chicago’s professional hockey and baseball teams.
John had spent years maintaining an outdoor rink in the family’s backyard.
Watching Alex compete in an NHL outdoor game represented a special moment after those childhood experiences.
Eric also participated in the family skating event held before the game.
Alex later described how enjoyable it was to share the ice with his brother.
Emma, who had traveled from Connecticut, also expressed excitement about seeing her younger brother compete in such an important event.
The Winter Classic brought together the family’s lifelong enthusiasm for hockey.
Alex Vlasic’s Contract With the Chicago Blackhawks
On April 25, 2024, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that Alex Vlasic had signed a six-year contract worth $27.6 million.
The agreement carries an average annual value of $4.6 million and runs through the 2029–30 NHL season.
The extension followed his breakout 2023–24 campaign, during which he appeared in 76 games and recorded two goals and 14 assists.
He also led Chicago with 148 blocked shots.
The contract established Vlasic as an important long-term member of the Blackhawks’ defensive group.
For his family, it represented another major achievement after years of supporting his development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Vlasic’s Family
Who is Alex Vlasic’s girlfriend?
Payton Hielscher is the girlfriend—and now fiancée—of professional hockey player Alex Vlasic.
Does Alex Vlasic have children?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Alex Vlasic has any children.
Who is Alex Vlasic’s father?
Alex Vlasic’s father is John Vlasic, a former junior hockey player from Montreal, Quebec, who built an outdoor rink in the family’s backyard in Wilmette, Illinois.
Who is Alex Vlasic’s mother?
Alex Vlasic’s mother is Tara Vlasic, a retired French teacher who worked at Wilmette Junior High School for approximately 28 years.
How many siblings does Alex Vlasic have?
Alex Vlasic has two older siblings: Eric Vlasic and Emma Vlasic.
Who is Alex Vlasic’s brother?
Eric Vlasic is Alex’s older brother and a goaltender for the Chicago Storm Special Hockey Team.
Who is Alex Vlasic’s sister?
Emma Vlasic is Alex’s older sister and a former professional women’s hockey player who captained Yale University and played for the Connecticut Whale.
Is Alex Vlasic related to Marc-Édouard Vlasic?
Yes. Alex Vlasic and former San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Édouard Vlasic are cousins.
Did Alex Vlasic’s father play hockey?
Yes. John Vlasic played junior hockey while growing up in Montreal and continued playing recreational hockey after moving to Chicago.
Where is Alex Vlasic’s family from?
Alex Vlasic grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, United States. His parents have Canadian roots, including his father’s upbringing in Montreal.
Is Alex Vlasic the youngest in his family?
Yes. Alex is the youngest of three children born to John and Tara Vlasic.
Did Alex Vlasic’s family attend the 2025 NHL Winter Classic?
Yes. His parents and siblings attended the Winter Classic played at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024. His brother Eric also joined him during a family skating event.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
