Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Dougie Hamilton is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 17, 1993, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he comes from a family with an exceptional history in professional sports.
His parents are Doug Hamilton and Lynn Hamilton, both former Canadian Olympic athletes. His older brother, Freddie Hamilton, is a former professional ice hockey player who also competed in the NHL.
While Hamilton’s family background is well documented, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and personal life. Here is what is publicly known about his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Dougie Hamilton’s Wife
Bree Kleintop is the wife of ice hockey player Dougie Hamilton. An American model and digital content creator, Bree is known for her work in the fields of fashion, lifestyle, and wellness, frequently sharing glimpses of her daily life on social media.
The couple tied the knot in an intimate seaside ceremony on June 28, 2025—a notable moment, given that the New Jersey Devils defenseman has historically kept his personal life quite private. Shortly after the wedding, Dougie and Bree reached a new milestone in their family life by announcing the arrival of their first child.
Does Dougie Hamilton Have Children?
Dougie Hamilton and his wife, Bree Kleintop, have a child—the couple’s first baby. They announced they were expecting in May 2026, with a post on Bree Kleintop’s social media that read, “and two became three.”
True to the low-profile approach that characterizes the New Jersey Devils defenseman’s personal life, the couple has protected their child’s privacy and has not shared specific details, such as the baby’s name or gender, with the press.
Dougie Hamilton’s Special Bond With Thea Roelofsen
One particularly meaningful relationship in Hamilton’s personal life involved a young girl named Thea Roelofsen, whom he met while playing for the Calgary Flames.
Thea was battling cancer when Hamilton developed a friendship with her and her family.
According to a feature published by the New Jersey Devils, Hamilton spent time with Thea during her illness, bringing happiness and encouragement to her family.
Thea died in November 2017, but Hamilton maintained his relationship with her parents and younger sister.
He later explained that knowing Thea changed his perspective on life and helped him appreciate the importance of kindness and supporting others.
The friendship became one of the most personal stories Hamilton has publicly shared.
However, Thea was not his daughter. Their relationship developed through his charitable involvement and friendship with her family.
Dougie Hamilton’s Parents
Dougie Hamilton was raised by his parents, Doug and Lynn Hamilton, in Ontario, Canada.
Both parents represented Canada at the Olympic Games and enjoyed successful sporting careers before raising their two sons.
According to a July 30, 2021, feature published by the New Jersey Devils, the couple first met during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Their shared experiences as international athletes helped create a family environment emphasizing discipline, education, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Father: Doug Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton’s father is Doug Hamilton, whose full name is Douglas Turnbull Hamilton.
Born on August 19, 1958, in Toronto, Ontario, Doug is a former Canadian Olympic rower, lawyer, and sports executive.
He represented Canada at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he won a bronze medal in the men’s quadruple sculls event.
He competed alongside teammates Bruce Ford, Mike Hughes, and Phil Monckton.
Doug subsequently won a gold medal at the 1985 World Rowing Championships and bronze medals at the 1986 and 1987 championships.
He returned to the Olympic Games in 1988, competing in Seoul, South Korea.
Following his competitive rowing career, Doug pursued a successful career in law and sports administration.
He studied at Queen’s University and earned legal qualifications before working in environmental and health and safety law.
He also served in leadership positions within Canadian sport, including roles connected to Rowing Canada and major international sporting events.
How Doug Hamilton Influenced His Sons’ Careers
Doug encouraged both Dougie and Freddie to participate in sports from an early age.
Because of his experience in international competition, he understood the importance of maintaining discipline while balancing education and athletic commitments.
Although Doug was a successful rower, he did not pressure his sons to follow the same sporting path.
Instead, he encouraged them to explore different activities and eventually supported their decision to focus on ice hockey.
According to Hockey Canada, the brothers participated in basketball and experimented with rowing before discovering that hockey was their strongest passion.
Doug also emphasized academic achievement.
Both sons became outstanding students while developing into elite junior hockey players.
In a 2021 New Jersey Devils interview, the family’s history of combining education and sports was highlighted as an important foundation for their success.
Doug continued supporting both sons when they entered professional hockey.
One particularly memorable occasion occurred in March 2016, when Dougie and Freddie became NHL teammates with the Calgary Flames.
Their parents traveled to Calgary to celebrate the opportunity to watch both sons play together.
Mother: Lynn Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton’s mother is Lynn Hamilton, formerly Lynn Polson, a retired Canadian international basketball player.
She was born on April 19, 1962, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Lynn represented Canada’s women’s national basketball team during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
She played as a starting point guard, helping Canada finish fourth in the tournament.
Her international basketball career also included a bronze medal at the 1986 FIBA Women’s World Championship.
She attended Bishop’s University and Concordia University while developing her athletic career.
According to the New Jersey Devils, Lynn met her future husband, Doug Hamilton, during the 1984 Olympic Games.
They eventually married and welcomed two sons, Freddie and Dougie.
How Lynn Hamilton Supported Dougie’s Hockey Development
Lynn played an important role in encouraging her sons to pursue both education and competitive sports.
Having competed internationally, she understood the commitment necessary to succeed at the highest level.
However, she encouraged her children to enjoy their athletic experiences instead of focusing exclusively on professional success.
According to a 2011 Hockey Canada feature, Lynn brought her sons to basketball practices and sporting events while they were growing up.
When Freddie and Dougie were young, they sometimes helped as water boys during basketball activities.
The experiences introduced them to organized sports and teamwork.
Lynn also placed considerable emphasis on education.
Both sons received academic recognition during their junior hockey careers.
Freddie earned an Ontario Hockey League scholastic award after achieving an academic average of approximately 99 percent.
Dougie also received academic honors, including recognition as the Canadian Hockey League’s Scholastic Player of the Year.
In a July 2021 interview with the New Jersey Devils, Lynn expressed pride in the fact that both sons had represented Canada internationally.
She also described the emotional significance of watching them play together at the 2012 World Junior Championship.
Although both parents had enjoyed Olympic careers, Lynn emphasized that the brothers’ achievements in hockey were especially meaningful to the family.
Dougie Hamilton’s Siblings
Dougie Hamilton has one publicly confirmed sibling, his older brother Freddie Hamilton.
According to Hockey Canada’s official player biographies, the brothers grew up together in Ontario and developed a particularly close relationship through their shared passion for hockey.
Older Brother: Freddie Hamilton
Freddie Hamilton, whose full name is Frederick Hamilton, is Dougie Hamilton’s older brother and a former Canadian professional ice hockey player.
He was born on January 1, 1992, in Toronto, Ontario, making him approximately 18 months older than Dougie.
Freddie played as a forward, while his younger brother developed into a defenseman.
The brothers began playing hockey during childhood and regularly practiced together.
Freddie later joined the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League, where Dougie eventually became his teammate.
During their junior hockey careers, the brothers established themselves as talented players who combined strong academic performances with impressive athletic abilities.
Freddie was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 129th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
One year later, the Boston Bruins selected Dougie ninth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
The achievements made the Hamilton family particularly proud because both brothers had successfully progressed toward professional hockey.
Dougie and Freddie Hamilton at the World Junior Championship
One of the most memorable experiences in the brothers’ careers occurred during the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Both were selected to represent Canada at the tournament, which was held in Edmonton and Calgary.
According to Hockey Canada, the brothers had dreamed about representing their country together since childhood.
The experience was particularly meaningful because their parents had also represented Canada internationally.
Freddie and Dougie helped Canada win a bronze medal at the tournament.
In an interview published by Hockey Canada, Dougie described his brother as his best friend and expressed excitement about playing alongside him.
The brothers’ relationship also included a competitive element.
During childhood and junior hockey, they regularly challenged each other during practices and informal games.
Freddie often acted as a protector and mentor to his younger brother.
Their parents occasionally joked that Freddie behaved like an additional parent because he was so protective of Dougie.
Did Dougie and Freddie Hamilton Play Together in the NHL?
Yes. Dougie and Freddie Hamilton became NHL teammates with the Calgary Flames during the 2015–16 season.
In March 2016, Calgary recalled Freddie from its American Hockey League affiliate, allowing the brothers to play together.
The reunion attracted considerable media attention because both had previously shared the ice with the Niagara IceDogs and Team Canada.
According to The Canadian Press, their parents traveled to Calgary to witness the occasion.
Freddie explained that playing alongside his brother was especially meaningful because of the sacrifices their parents had made throughout their childhood.
Although Freddie’s NHL career was shorter than Dougie’s, he played for several organizations, including the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and Arizona Coyotes.
After retiring from professional hockey, Freddie continued his education and pursued business studies.
In a 2021 New Jersey Devils feature, Lynn Hamilton revealed that Freddie had completed his undergraduate studies and was preparing to pursue an MBA at Yale University.
Dougie Hamilton’s Extended Family and Sporting Heritage
The Hamilton family’s sporting history extends beyond Dougie, Freddie, and their Olympic parents.
According to the New Jersey Devils, their paternal great-grandfather, Fred Hamilton, was a talented amateur baseball player in Toronto.
He later became a Toronto city alderman and helped establish programs that allowed children from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend Toronto Maple Leafs games.
His son, also named Fred Hamilton, became a prominent Toronto lawyer and contributed to the city’s sporting community.
Doug Hamilton followed his father’s legal career while also developing into an Olympic rower.
These family connections demonstrate a longstanding appreciation for athletics, education, and community involvement.
Dougie’s professional hockey achievements therefore represent another generation of sporting success within the Hamilton family.
Dougie Hamilton’s Family Background and Childhood
Dougie Hamilton was born on June 17, 1993, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
He grew up alongside Freddie in a family where sports and education were important parts of everyday life.
His parents encouraged their sons to try different activities, including basketball and rowing.
However, both brothers developed a particular passion for ice hockey.
The family eventually settled in St. Catharines, Ontario, where the brothers continued developing their hockey skills.
Dougie played minor hockey before joining the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
His performances quickly attracted attention from NHL scouts.
During the 2011–12 OHL season, Hamilton recorded 72 points in 50 games and was named the Canadian Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year.
The Boston Bruins selected him ninth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut in January 2013 and eventually established himself as a productive offensive defenseman.
His professional career has included the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils.
In July 2021, he signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with New Jersey.
Throughout his professional development, Hamilton has continued acknowledging the influence of his parents and older brother.
In an interview with the Carolina Hurricanes, he identified playing alongside Freddie at the World Junior Championship and in the NHL as two of his most memorable hockey experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dougie Hamilton’s Family
Who is Dougie Hamilton’s wife?
Bree Kleintop is the wife of ice hockey player Dougie Hamilton.
Does Dougie Hamilton have children?
Dougie Hamilton and his wife, Bree Kleintop, have a child—the couple’s first baby.
Who are Dougie Hamilton’s parents?
His parents are Doug Hamilton and Lynn Hamilton, both former Canadian Olympians who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Who is Dougie Hamilton’s father?
His father is Doug Hamilton, a former Canadian Olympic rower who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He later worked as a lawyer and sports executive.
Who is Dougie Hamilton’s mother?
His mother is Lynn Hamilton, formerly Lynn Polson, a former Canadian national basketball player who represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics.
How did Dougie Hamilton’s parents meet?
Doug and Lynn Hamilton met during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where both were competing for Canada.
How many siblings does Dougie Hamilton have?
Dougie Hamilton has one publicly confirmed sibling, his older brother Freddie Hamilton.
Who is Dougie Hamilton’s brother?
His older brother is Freddie Hamilton, a former NHL forward who played for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and Arizona Coyotes.
Did Dougie Hamilton play hockey with his brother?
Yes. Dougie and Freddie played together with the Niagara IceDogs, represented Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championship, and became NHL teammates with the Calgary Flames in March 2016.
Does Dougie Hamilton have a sister?
No sister has been identified in official family biographies. His only publicly confirmed sibling is Freddie Hamilton.
Where did Dougie Hamilton grow up?
Dougie Hamilton was born in Toronto and spent much of his youth in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he played for the Niagara IceDogs.
What NHL team does Dougie Hamilton play for?
Dougie Hamilton plays for the New Jersey Devils, whom he joined in July 2021 after previously playing for Boston, Calgary, and Carolina.
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.
