Cole Sillinger’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin

Cole Sillinger is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 16, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, United States, he grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, in a family with deep connections to professional hockey.

Sillinger’s family includes his father, Mike Sillinger, a former NHL player, his mother, Karla Sillinger, and his two older brothers, Owen and Lukas Sillinger, who also pursued hockey careers.

Outside hockey, Cole previously dated Canadian singer Tate McRae. However, his current relationship status remains private, and there is no verified public information confirming that he is married or has children.

Cole Sillinger’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

Cole Sillinger previously dated Tate McRae, the Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer known for songs such as “greedy,” “you broke me first,” and “exes.”

The relationship attracted considerable media attention because both were rising stars in their respective careers.

According to People and Elle, Sillinger and McRae began dating in 2021 after being introduced through mutual connections involving Tate’s brother, Tucker McRae.

Before their relationship began, Cole had publicly described Tate as his celebrity crush.

The two later started dating and shared photographs of their relationship on social media.

Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae’s Relationship

Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae made their relationship more public in 2022.

In August 2022, they shared photographs from a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The following month, the couple attended designer Jason Wu’s fashion show during New York Fashion Week.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Tate jokingly discussed how Cole had previously identified her as his celebrity crush.

The couple’s relationship attracted attention from both hockey fans and music audiences.

However, their romance eventually ended in 2023.

Why Did Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae Break Up?

Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae reportedly separated sometime in 2023, but neither publicly provided a detailed explanation for their breakup.

Following their separation, speculation about the relationship circulated on social media.

Some online commentators alleged that Sillinger had been unfaithful. However, these claims were not substantiated, and Sillinger publicly disputed the accusations.

In a response to a social media comment discussing the allegations, Cole rejected the claims as false.

Tate later discussed her previous relationships during interviews, explaining that she generally maintained positive relationships with former partners.

Neither has publicly confirmed that infidelity caused their separation.

Does Cole Sillinger Have a New Girlfriend?

There is no reliable public confirmation identifying Cole Sillinger’s current girlfriend.

Since his relationship with Tate McRae ended, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward has kept his romantic life relatively private.

Although rumors occasionally circulate online, no subsequent relationship has been established through reliable reporting or a public announcement from Sillinger.

Is Cole Sillinger Married?

There is no verified public information indicating that Cole Sillinger is married.

The NHL player has not publicly announced a wedding, engagement, or wife.

His most widely documented romantic relationship remains his previous relationship with Tate McRae, which ended in 2023.

Does Cole Sillinger Have Children?

There is no verified public information confirming that Cole Sillinger has children.

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward has not publicly announced becoming a father, and official NHL biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.

While Sillinger frequently discusses his parents and brothers, he has not publicly disclosed having children of his own.

Cole Sillinger’s Parents

Cole Sillinger was born to Mike Sillinger and Karla Sillinger.

His parents raised three sons, Owen, Lukas, and Cole, while navigating the demanding lifestyle associated with Mike’s lengthy professional hockey career.

The family lived in several North American cities before settling in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Both parents played important roles in helping their children pursue hockey.

Cole Sillinger’s Father: Mike Sillinger

Mike Sillinger is Cole’s father and a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who enjoyed a 17-season career in the NHL.

Born on June 29, 1971, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Mike was selected 11th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

During his professional career, he played 1,049 NHL regular-season games and represented 12 different teams.

His former teams included the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and New York Islanders.

Mike played for Columbus between 2001 and 2003, meaning Cole was born in the city where his father was playing professional hockey.

His father’s NHL career exposed Cole to professional hockey environments from an early age.

Cole frequently accompanied his family to games, visited NHL arenas, and learned about the professional lifestyle through his father’s experiences.

Mike became a major inspiration for all three sons, who developed an interest in playing hockey.

How Mike Sillinger Influenced Cole’s Hockey Career

Cole has repeatedly credited his father for helping him understand the game and develop professional habits.

Growing up, he watched Mike compete in the NHL and learned about the physical and mental demands of professional hockey.

Mike’s experience provided valuable guidance as Cole progressed through junior hockey.

During a September 2022 interview with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cole explained that he had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He also described his father and older brothers as some of his closest friends and most important role models.

In 2021, Cole was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the first player in franchise history to follow his father’s footsteps by playing for the organization.

The achievement was particularly meaningful because Mike had previously represented Columbus during his NHL career.

Cole Sillinger’s Mother: Karla Sillinger

Karla Sillinger is Cole’s mother and another important figure in his upbringing.

She raised Cole and his two older brothers alongside Mike while the family moved between different NHL cities.

Karla supported her husband’s professional career while helping provide stability for their children.

Her responsibilities included managing family life, organizing travel, and supporting the boys as they developed their own interests in hockey.

In a January 2025 interview published by the American Hockey League, Cole’s older brother Owen publicly praised their mother for the sacrifices she made while raising three sons.

Owen explained that Karla had traveled extensively with the family during Mike’s NHL career and that her dedication helped all three brothers pursue their ambitions.

He also discussed how the brothers maintained frequent communication with their parents despite living in different cities.

Karla’s commitment has remained an important part of the family’s story, particularly as all three sons pursued competitive hockey careers.

Although she has been publicly acknowledged by her children, reliable details about Karla’s professional occupation and other personal information remain limited.

Cole Sillinger’s Siblings

Cole Sillinger has two older brothers, Owen Sillinger and Lukas Sillinger.

All three brothers pursued competitive ice hockey, following the example set by their father.

Cole is the youngest of the three sons.

1. Owen Sillinger: Cole Sillinger’s Oldest Brother

Owen Sillinger is Cole’s oldest brother and a Canadian professional ice hockey player.

Born on September 23, 1997, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Owen developed his hockey skills through Canadian junior hockey programs.

He played junior hockey with the Penticton Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League before attending Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

At Bemidji State, Owen became an important player for the university’s men’s hockey team.

He completed four collegiate seasons, recording 115 points in 134 games.

After finishing his college career in 2022, Owen joined the Cleveland Monsters, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

His performances in Cleveland eventually earned him an NHL contract with Columbus.

Owen Sillinger’s NHL Debut

On January 9, 2025, Owen Sillinger made his NHL debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Seattle Kraken.

He was 27 years old when he achieved the milestone.

His debut was particularly significant because he became the third member of the Sillinger family to play for Columbus, following his father Mike and younger brother Cole.

Interestingly, Cole was unavailable for the game because of an illness, meaning the brothers did not play together during Owen’s debut.

Despite missing the game, Cole publicly expressed pride in his older brother’s achievement.

According to the American Hockey League, Owen’s professional career has been shaped by strong family relationships and a commitment to developing his game.

He continued playing for the Cleveland Monsters during the 2026–27 season.

2. Lukas Sillinger: Cole Sillinger’s Middle Brother

Lukas Sillinger is Cole’s other older brother and a Canadian ice hockey player.

Born on September 14, 2000, Lukas grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, alongside Owen and Cole.

Like his brothers, he developed a passion for hockey from childhood.

Lukas played junior hockey for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League.

He later attended Bemidji State University, where he played college hockey alongside Owen.

After two seasons at Bemidji State, Lukas transferred to Arizona State University.

At Arizona State, he continued his NCAA hockey career and became an important offensive contributor for the Sun Devils.

During the 2023–24 season, Lukas emerged as one of the team’s notable scorers, demonstrating the offensive ability that had defined much of his junior hockey career.

His college hockey experience added another chapter to the family’s sporting history.

Are Cole, Owen, and Lukas Sillinger Close?

Yes. Cole Sillinger has repeatedly spoken about his close relationship with Owen and Lukas.

All three brothers grew up competing against one another in hockey and other sports.

In a September 2022 Columbus Blue Jackets interview, Cole described his brothers as his best friends and important role models.

He explained that he learned different skills and habits from each of them.

The brothers have also maintained regular communication despite their professional and college hockey commitments.

According to a January 2025 American Hockey League feature, the Sillinger brothers participate in a group chat and frequently communicate with their parents.

In September 2024, Cole also discussed playing golf, pickleball, and tennis with his brothers during the offseason.

These activities demonstrate that the brothers’ relationship extends beyond hockey.

Does Cole Sillinger Have a Sister?

No sister is identified in Cole Sillinger’s official Hockey Canada biography.

The organization lists Owen and Lukas as his two siblings, while NHL and AHL coverage consistently describes the family as having three sons.

Cole Sillinger’s Childhood and Family Background

Cole Sillinger was born in Columbus, Ohio, while his father Mike was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Because of Mike’s professional hockey career, the family lived in several cities across North America.

These included Columbus, Phoenix, St. Louis, and the New York area.

After Mike retired from professional hockey, the family settled in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Cole grew up playing minor hockey in Saskatchewan and developed into one of the province’s promising young players.

His early exposure to professional hockey through his father helped him understand the lifestyle and expectations associated with reaching the NHL.

Having two older brothers who also played competitive hockey created an environment in which Cole could constantly challenge himself.

How Cole Sillinger’s Family Supported His NHL Career

Cole Sillinger began his hockey development in Regina before joining the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.

He was selected 11th overall by Medicine Hat in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

During the 2019–20 season, Cole recorded 53 points in 48 games for the Tigers.

He later joined the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League for the 2020–21 season.

His impressive performances in junior hockey attracted attention from NHL scouts.

In the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him in the first round, 12th overall.

The selection created a special family connection because his father, Mike, had previously played for the same franchise.

Cole made his NHL debut on October 14, 2021, against the Arizona Coyotes.

He was only 18 years old when he entered the league.

During his rookie season, he recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in 79 games, establishing himself as a promising young forward.

On March 13, 2022, he scored his first NHL hat trick against the Vegas Golden Knights.

His career continued to develop over the following seasons.

On July 25, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that Sillinger had signed a three-year contract worth $13.875 million, keeping him with the organization through the 2028–29 season.

Throughout his career, Cole has continued to credit his father, mother, and two brothers for providing the support and guidance needed to succeed in professional hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cole Sillinger’s Family

Who is Cole Sillinger’s girlfriend?

Cole Sillinger previously dated Canadian singer Tate McRae. Their relationship ended in 2023, and his current girlfriend has not been publicly confirmed.

Are Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae still dating?

No. Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae reportedly ended their romantic relationship in 2023.

Why did Cole Sillinger and Tate McRae break up?

Neither publicly provided a detailed explanation for their separation. Online rumors about infidelity were not substantiated, and Sillinger disputed the allegations.

Is Cole Sillinger married?

There is no verified public information indicating that Cole Sillinger is married or has a wife.

Does Cole Sillinger have children?

There are no reliable public reports confirming that Cole Sillinger has children.

Who are Cole Sillinger’s parents?

Cole Sillinger’s parents are Mike Sillinger and Karla Sillinger. His father is a former NHL player who represented 12 teams during a 17-season career.

Who is Cole Sillinger’s father?

His father is Mike Sillinger, a retired Canadian professional hockey player who appeared in 1,049 NHL games and played for the Columbus Blue Jackets between 2001 and 2003.

Who is Cole Sillinger’s mother?

His mother is Karla Sillinger, who helped raise Cole and his two older brothers while supporting Mike Sillinger’s professional hockey career.

Does Cole Sillinger have siblings?

Yes. Cole Sillinger has two older brothers, Owen Sillinger and Lukas Sillinger. Both have played competitive ice hockey.

Is Owen Sillinger related to Cole Sillinger?

Yes. Owen Sillinger is Cole’s oldest brother. He made his NHL debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 9, 2025.

Who is Lukas Sillinger?

Lukas Sillinger is Cole’s older brother and a Canadian ice hockey player who played college hockey at Bemidji State University and Arizona State University.

Does Cole Sillinger have a sister?

No sister has been identified in official hockey biographies. Cole is the youngest of three brothers.

Where is Cole Sillinger’s family from?

The Sillinger family is closely associated with Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Cole was born in Columbus, Ohio, during his father’s NHL career but grew up primarily in Regina.