Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Dawson Mercer is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 27, 2001, in Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador, Mercer comes from a close-knit family with a strong passion for ice hockey.
His parents, Craig and Charlotte Mercer, played important roles in his development, while his younger brother, Riley Mercer, and younger sister, Jessica Mercer, also pursued competitive hockey careers.
Although Dawson has spoken openly about his parents and siblings, he maintains a relatively private romantic life. There is limited reliable information about a girlfriend, marriage, or children.
Here is everything publicly known about Dawson Mercer’s family, including his relationship status, children, parents, siblings, and upbringing in Newfoundland.
Dawson Mercer’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Dawson Mercer has not publicly identified a girlfriend through reliable interviews or official hockey publications.
Although the Canadian forward has attracted considerable attention throughout his NHL career, he generally keeps his romantic relationships away from the public spotlight.
Most of his interviews focus on professional hockey, his Newfoundland upbringing, and his relationships with his parents and siblings.
Some entertainment websites have suggested that Mercer may be in a relationship, but these claims do not provide enough independently verifiable information to establish the identity of a girlfriend.
Consequently, it remains unclear whether Mercer is currently dating anyone.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that he is married or engaged.
Does Dawson Mercer Have Children?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Dawson Mercer has children.
The Winnipeg Jets forward has not publicly announced becoming a father, and official hockey biographies do not identify any children.
While Mercer frequently discusses his parents, siblings, and hometown, he has not shared verified information about having a son or daughter.
Therefore, his parental status remains unconfirmed rather than definitively established.
Dawson Mercer’s Parents: Meet Craig and Charlotte Mercer
Dawson Mercer was born to Craig Mercer and Charlotte Mercer in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
His parents raised three children in the Conception Bay region, where hockey became an important part of family life.
Both Craig and Charlotte encouraged their children to participate in athletics while emphasizing commitment, teamwork, and personal development.
Dawson Mercer’s Father: Craig Mercer
Dawson Mercer’s father, Craig Mercer, is a former competitive hockey player who became one of his son’s earliest coaches and mentors.
Craig played senior hockey in Newfoundland and developed a strong reputation within the local hockey community.
According to The Hockey Writers, Craig was a talented player who had an opportunity to pursue hockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate but did not take that opportunity.
His experience helped him introduce Dawson and his younger children to the sport.
During Dawson’s childhood, Craig regularly participated in his hockey development, providing coaching, encouragement, and additional practice opportunities.
In his official Hockey Canada biography, Dawson identified his father as his favorite minor hockey coach.
Craig also worked closely with family members to ensure Dawson received enough training opportunities despite growing up in a relatively small hockey community.
In a 2020 interview with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Dawson explained that his father and uncle were two of the most influential people in his early hockey development.
They spent additional time helping him practice his skating, shooting, and overall understanding of the game.
Craig’s commitment also extended to his younger son, Riley, who developed into a professional goaltender.
His involvement in the careers of both sons reflects the family’s longstanding connection to Canadian hockey.
Dawson Mercer’s Mother: Charlotte Mercer
Dawson Mercer’s mother is Charlotte Mercer, who helped raise Dawson and his two younger siblings in Newfoundland.
Charlotte has been an important source of emotional support throughout her children’s athletic careers.
Unlike Craig, whose background is closely associated with ice hockey, Charlotte also participated in other sports.
In an interview with the Newfoundland Herald, Dawson explained that his mother played volleyball and basketball, contributing to the family’s broader interest in athletics.
Charlotte has also supported Dawson during significant professional milestones.
When he earned a place on the New Jersey Devils’ opening-night roster in October 2021, his family was excited but cautious about celebrating before the decision became official.
According to The Hockey Writers, Charlotte described experiencing nervousness and excitement while waiting for confirmation that her son would make his NHL debut.
She subsequently traveled to New Jersey with other relatives to watch Dawson play his first NHL game.
That moment was particularly meaningful because the family had spent years supporting his development through minor, junior, and international hockey.
Charlotte has also attended games featuring her younger children and remained involved in their athletic accomplishments.
Although she generally maintains a private life, her encouragement has been an important part of Dawson’s journey to professional hockey.
Dawson Mercer’s Siblings: Meet Riley and Jessica Mercer
Dawson Mercer has two younger siblings: Riley Mercer and Jessica Mercer.
Both followed their older brother into competitive ice hockey, making the Mercer family particularly well-known within Newfoundland’s hockey community.
Interestingly, all three siblings developed into players at different positions: Dawson as a forward, Riley as a goaltender, and Jessica as a defenseman.
Riley Mercer: Dawson Mercer’s Younger Brother
Riley Mercer is Dawson Mercer’s younger brother and a professional ice hockey goaltender.
Born on March 31, 2004, in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador, Riley grew up playing hockey alongside Dawson.
Unlike his older brother, who developed as a forward, Riley chose to specialize in goaltending.
He spent five seasons with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
During the 2023-24 season, Riley played an important role in helping Drummondville win the QMJHL championship.
His performances established him as one of the league’s most promising goaltenders.
In the 2024-25 season, Riley recorded 27 wins, a 2.53 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage in 46 games.
On April 25, 2025, the Minnesota Wild signed him to a three-year entry-level NHL contract beginning with the 2025-26 season.
He subsequently continued his professional development with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL).
The brothers have remained supportive of each other’s careers despite competing in different leagues.
In May 2024, Dawson traveled to Quebec to watch Riley compete in the QMJHL playoffs before joining Team Canada for the IIHF World Championship.
Dawson explained in an interview with the New Jersey Devils that spending time watching his brother play was important to him.
He also encouraged their parents to remain with Riley during the playoffs rather than immediately travel overseas to watch Dawson represent Canada.
The gesture reflected the close relationship between the brothers and their shared appreciation for family support.
Jessica Mercer: Dawson Mercer’s Younger Sister
Jessica Mercer is Dawson Mercer’s younger sister and a competitive Canadian ice hockey defenseman.
Like her brothers, Jessica grew up in Newfoundland and developed an interest in hockey from childhood.
She played minor hockey in the province before progressing to higher levels of competition.
During her youth career, Jessica competed in Triple-A hockey and later played for Mount Academy.
She subsequently joined the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) women’s hockey program.
Jessica was identified as a member of the UPEI Panthers’ defensive group ahead of the 2024-25 season.
In November 2025, the university also recognized her among its student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status.
Her achievements demonstrate that the Mercer family’s commitment to hockey extends to all three children.
Dawson has publicly discussed following Jessica’s games and supporting her athletic development.
In a 2022 interview with the NHL Players’ Association, he explained that he regularly contacted family members while traveling and stayed informed about both his siblings’ hockey careers.
Although Jessica has not pursued the same professional path as Dawson, she has developed her own identity as a competitive university hockey player.
Dawson Mercer’s Extended Family: His Uncle’s Influence
Another important influence in Dawson Mercer’s childhood was an uncle whom he affectionately referred to as Uncle Bo.
His uncle was involved in hockey development and helped Dawson gain additional practice opportunities.
According to a QMJHL feature published in January 2020, his uncle operated a hockey training business called Br8k Away Hockey.
The program provided opportunities for young players to improve their skills through additional training sessions.
Dawson credited his uncle and father with spending considerable time developing his abilities during childhood.
The extra practice was especially important because competitive hockey opportunities were less frequent in parts of Newfoundland than in some larger Canadian hockey centers.
His extended family also attended important milestones, including his NHL debut in October 2021.
Dawson Mercer’s Childhood and Family Background
Dawson Mercer was born in Carbonear and grew up in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador.
He was raised in a family that valued sports, outdoor activities, and spending time together.
During his childhood, Dawson regularly played hockey, ball hockey, baseball, and other recreational sports.
His parents encouraged their children to enjoy athletics without treating hockey as an obligation.
Dawson began his competitive hockey development with local Newfoundland programs, including Tri-Pen Ice.
He later attended Bishop’s College School in Quebec before joining the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL.
In January 2020, he was traded to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, where he continued developing as an NHL prospect.
His international achievements included winning gold with Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and silver at the 2021 tournament.
On October 6, 2020, the New Jersey Devils selected Mercer with the 18th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 15, 2021.
After spending the beginning of his NHL career with New Jersey, Mercer was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on October 23, 2026, in a deal involving goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Despite the demands of professional hockey, Dawson has continued maintaining close relationships with his family in Newfoundland.
He has described enjoying fishing, hiking, camping, and outdoor activities whenever he returns home.
In an NHL Players’ Association interview, Mercer explained that regularly calling family members during road trips helps him remain connected to Newfoundland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson Mercer’s Family
Who is Dawson Mercer’s girlfriend?
Dawson Mercer has not publicly identified a girlfriend in reliable interviews or official hockey publications. His relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Is Dawson Mercer married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Dawson Mercer is married.
Does Dawson Mercer have children?
No reliable public reports have confirmed that Dawson Mercer has children.
Who are Dawson Mercer’s parents?
His parents are Craig Mercer and Charlotte Mercer. They raised Dawson and his two younger siblings in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Who is Dawson Mercer’s father?
His father is Craig Mercer, a former senior hockey player in Newfoundland who also coached Dawson during his childhood.
Who is Dawson Mercer’s mother?
His mother is Charlotte Mercer, who supported Dawson and his siblings throughout their hockey development and previously participated in volleyball and basketball.
How many siblings does Dawson Mercer have?
Dawson Mercer has two younger siblings: one brother, Riley Mercer, and one sister, Jessica Mercer.
Who is Dawson Mercer’s brother?
His younger brother is Riley Mercer, a professional ice hockey goaltender who signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild in April 2025.
Who is Dawson Mercer’s sister?
His younger sister is Jessica Mercer, a Canadian hockey defenseman who has represented the University of Prince Edward Island women’s hockey team.
Are Dawson Mercer and Riley Mercer related?
Yes. Dawson and Riley Mercer are brothers. Both grew up in Newfoundland and developed professional hockey careers, although they play different positions.
Where is Dawson Mercer’s family from?
The Mercer family is from the Conception Bay region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Dawson was born in Carbonear and grew up in Bay Roberts.
What NHL team does Dawson Mercer play for?
Dawson Mercer plays for the Winnipeg Jets. He joined the team in October 2026 after being traded from the New Jersey Devils.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
