Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Gabriel Vilardi, commonly known as Gabe Vilardi, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 16, 1999, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Vilardi comes from a close-knit family with strong Italian roots.
His parents, Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia, immigrated to Canada from southern Italy and raised two sons. His older brother, Francesco Vilardi, also pursued a competitive hockey career, playing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and at Queen’s University.
In his personal life, Gabriel Vilardi is in a publicly documented relationship with Megan Rodgers. The couple has also worked together on charitable initiatives supporting children and young people in Winnipeg.
Here is everything publicly known about Gabriel Vilardi’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and Italian heritage.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Girlfriend: Meet Megan Rodgers
Gabriel Vilardi’s girlfriend is Megan Rodgers, who has been publicly identified as his longtime partner.
The couple’s relationship became more widely known through interviews discussing Vilardi’s move to Winnipeg and his involvement in community programs.
In July 2025, Vilardi publicly mentioned Megan during an interview following the announcement of his six-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Speaking to reporters, he explained that both he and Megan had grown to appreciate living in Winnipeg. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they had developed strong connections to the city and its community.
Megan is originally from Southern California, where Vilardi previously played for the Los Angeles Kings.
Although the exact date the couple began dating has not been publicly established, their relationship was already documented before Vilardi joined the Jets in 2023.
According to a September 2023 feature published by Game On Hockey, Megan helped Vilardi settle into Winnipeg by allowing him to use her Jeep Cherokee while he arranged transportation.
The couple has continued building a life together in Manitoba, where they have become involved in community activities.
Who Is Megan Rodgers?
Megan Rodgers is best known publicly for her relationship with Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi and her involvement in charitable initiatives.
Although she generally maintains a relatively private personal life, Megan has participated in activities organized by the True North Youth Foundation.
She has volunteered with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, which provides opportunities for children to develop athletic and life skills through hockey.
Megan has also contributed to initiatives involving the Toba Centre, a Manitoba organization supporting children and families affected by abuse.
In April 2026, the Winnipeg Jets published an article recognizing Vilardi’s nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award honoring NHL players for leadership and humanitarian contributions.
During the interview, Vilardi praised Megan for her commitment to volunteering and helping children in Winnipeg.
He explained that she enjoyed participating in community programs and had become actively involved with the Toba Centre.
The couple has also taken part in Project 11 activities, including school visits focused on mental health, friendship, and emotional well-being.
On January 21, 2026, the True North Youth Foundation shared photographs of Gabriel and Megan participating in a Project 11 school visit.
The students had opportunities to discuss topics including sleep, stress management, and the qualities of a good friend.
Megan also appeared on the Never Offside with Julie & Cat podcast in May 2025, discussing the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff atmosphere and her experiences supporting the team.
Although she has occasionally appeared in public hockey-related activities, details about her age, education, and private professional background have not been extensively documented in reliable sources.
Are Gabriel Vilardi and Megan Rodgers Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Gabriel Vilardi and Megan Rodgers are married.
Official Winnipeg Jets reporting in April 2026 continued identifying Megan as Vilardi’s girlfriend.
The couple has not publicly disclosed a wedding date or confirmed an engagement in the reliable sources reviewed.
Therefore, Megan Rodgers is best described as Gabriel Vilardi’s publicly confirmed girlfriend rather than his wife.
Does Gabriel Vilardi Have Children?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Gabriel Vilardi has children.
Although Vilardi and his girlfriend Megan Rodgers have participated in several initiatives supporting children and young people, neither has publicly announced becoming a parent.
His official NHL biographies, major interviews, and community profiles do not identify any sons or daughters.
Consequently, Gabriel Vilardi has no publicly confirmed children. However, the absence of public information should not be treated as definitive proof about his private family circumstances.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Parents: Meet Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia
Gabriel Vilardi was born to Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia, Italian immigrants who settled in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
His father has also been identified as Lino Vilardi in several NHL interviews and Canadian hockey publications.
Both parents originally came from the Reggio Calabria region of southern Italy.
They moved to Canada during the late 1990s with their first son, Francesco, before Gabriel was born in Kingston in August 1999.
Neither parent grew up with a strong knowledge of ice hockey. However, after arriving in Canada, they encouraged their children to participate in the sport that was popular within their new community.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Father: Natale Vilardi
Gabriel Vilardi’s father is Natale Vilardi, also referred to as Lino Vilardi in official hockey interviews.
Originally from southern Italy, Natale moved to Canada with his wife, Giovanna, and their oldest son, Francesco.
Soccer was an important part of his sporting background, reflecting the family’s Italian heritage.
According to a March 2017 NHL.com interview, Natale enjoyed playing soccer with his sons during the summer and regularly watched matches involving the Italian club Inter Milan.
Although he had initially hoped that his sons would pursue soccer, both Francesco and Gabriel became increasingly interested in hockey.
Rather than discouraging them, Natale supported their interest and helped them develop their abilities.
He also emphasized that education, personal character, and enjoying sports were more important than becoming a professional athlete.
In a 2016 feature published by the Kingston Frontenacs, Natale explained that he and Giovanna initially enrolled their sons in sports so they could have fun, meet other children, and develop socially.
As Gabriel’s hockey skills improved, his father continued supporting his development through practices, games, and family activities.
Both brothers frequently practiced shooting pucks at home, leaving numerous marks on the family’s garage door.
Natale also helped Gabriel develop the strong work ethic that eventually became one of the defining characteristics of his professional career.
During the 2017 NHL Scouting Combine, Gabriel credited his parents for teaching him the importance of determination, responsibility, and hard work.
Those values continued influencing him as he progressed from junior hockey to the NHL.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Mother: Giovanna Siviglia
Gabriel Vilardi’s mother is Giovanna Siviglia, an Italian immigrant who grew up in the Reggio Calabria area of southern Italy.
Giovanna moved to Kingston with her husband and their older son during the late 1990s.
According to an interview published by the Los Angeles Kings in March 2020, neither Giovanna nor her husband spoke English when they first arrived in Canada.
Adapting to a new country required considerable dedication, particularly while raising two young children.
Giovanna helped maintain the family’s Italian cultural traditions while encouraging her sons to participate in Canadian activities.
Although she initially knew little about ice hockey, she eventually became an enthusiastic supporter of Francesco and Gabriel.
Both sons developed into talented players and competed in the Ontario Hockey League, a significant accomplishment for a family that had not previously been closely associated with the sport.
Giovanna also influenced Gabriel’s appreciation for traditional Italian food.
In a 2020 Los Angeles Kings interview, Vilardi discussed his mother’s homemade pasta and how adjusting his professional nutrition routine sometimes meant limiting certain favorite meals.
His appreciation for Italian cuisine has remained a visible part of his personality.
In April 2026, reporting by the Winnipeg Free Press highlighted how Gabriel’s parents worked hard to provide opportunities for their children.
The article explained that they made significant sacrifices, including taking on additional responsibilities such as delivering newspapers.
Their dedication helped both sons participate in competitive hockey despite the substantial costs associated with youth sports.
Giovanna’s encouragement has remained an important influence on Gabriel’s appreciation for family, responsibility, and community service.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Siblings: Meet His Brother Francesco Vilardi
Gabriel Vilardi has one publicly documented sibling: his older brother, Francesco Vilardi, who is also known as Frank Vilardi.
Francesco was born in 1996 and is approximately three years older than Gabriel.
He was born before the family immigrated to Canada and developed an interest in hockey after settling in Kingston, Ontario.
Francesco Vilardi: Gabriel Vilardi’s Older Brother
Francesco Vilardi is a former competitive ice hockey player who played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League and later competed at Queen’s University.
Growing up, Francesco was the first of the Vilardi brothers to become involved in organized ice hockey.
He began skating and playing hockey when he was approximately five years old.
Gabriel regularly accompanied his older brother to local hockey rinks, where he watched practices and spent time playing with sticks and balls.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Kings in March 2020, Gabriel explained that he had wanted to imitate his older brother from an early age.
Seeing Francesco participate in hockey helped inspire Gabriel to begin playing the sport himself.
Francesco later developed into a competitive junior player and represented the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League.
He subsequently continued his hockey career at Queen’s University in Kingston, competing in Canadian university hockey.
Although Francesco did not follow Gabriel into the NHL, his achievements helped demonstrate that the brothers could compete at higher levels of hockey.
How Francesco Vilardi Influenced Gabriel’s Hockey Career
Francesco played an especially important role in Gabriel’s development through their competitive relationship.
As the younger brother, Gabriel frequently challenged himself to match or exceed Francesco’s training efforts.
In a November 2024 interview with the Winnipeg Jets, Gabriel explained that he often tried to train harder than his older brother.
For example, if Francesco spent an hour practicing or working out, Gabriel would challenge himself to complete even more training.
This competitive attitude helped him develop the determination required to succeed in junior hockey.
Gabriel has publicly acknowledged that Francesco’s example was an important factor in his eventual success.
The brothers also shared an interest in soccer, frequently playing together with their father during the summer.
Although Gabriel eventually established himself as an NHL forward, his relationship with Francesco remains an important part of his family background.
No additional brothers or sisters have been identified in reliable family reporting.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Italian Heritage and Family Background
Gabriel Vilardi’s family has strong roots in Calabria, a region in southern Italy.
His parents immigrated from the Reggio Calabria area before establishing their home in Kingston, Ontario.
Growing up, Gabriel was exposed to both Canadian and Italian traditions.
Ice hockey became a central part of his Canadian upbringing, while soccer, Italian cuisine, and family traditions helped maintain his connection to Italy.
He has frequently expressed admiration for Inter Milan, one of Italy’s most successful professional soccer clubs.
In a March 2026 interview, Vilardi discussed following the Italian national soccer team and hoping it would qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
His interest reflected the connection he continues to feel toward his parents’ country of origin.
Although Gabriel was born and raised in Canada, his Italian heritage remains an important part of his identity.
He has also described how his parents’ experiences as immigrants influenced his understanding of hard work and sacrifice.
How Gabriel Vilardi’s Family Helped Shape His Hockey Career
Gabriel Vilardi began playing hockey in Kingston, Ontario, after watching his older brother Francesco participate in the sport.
He developed through local minor hockey programs before joining the Canadian International Hockey Academy.
In 2015, the Windsor Spitfires selected him second overall in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft.
During his junior career, Vilardi became known for his offensive creativity, physical strength, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
He helped the Windsor Spitfires win the Memorial Cup in 2017.
That same year, the Los Angeles Kings selected him with the 11th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
After spending time developing with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League, Vilardi made his NHL debut on February 20, 2020.
He eventually became an important offensive contributor for the Kings before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in June 2023.
On July 18, 2025, he signed a six-year, $45 million contract with Winnipeg.
His success represented an important achievement for a family that had immigrated to Canada without a background in hockey.
Vilardi has repeatedly credited his parents and older brother for helping him develop the work ethic, competitive drive, and values that contributed to his professional career.
Gabriel Vilardi’s Family Values and Community Involvement
Gabriel Vilardi’s family background has also influenced his involvement in charitable activities.
His parents taught him the importance of helping people who may not have access to the same opportunities.
He has carried those lessons into his professional hockey career through volunteering and community outreach.
In April 2026, the Winnipeg Jets nominated Vilardi for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in recognition of his humanitarian contributions.
His work has included volunteering with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, participating in Project 11 activities, and speaking with students about mental health.
His girlfriend, Megan Rodgers, has also become involved in several of these initiatives.
In June 2026, the True North Youth Foundation published a feature highlighting Vilardi’s dedication to helping children and young people.
During the 2025-26 season, he participated in classroom visits and spoke at a Project 11 Youth Summit attended by approximately 900 students.
He explained that the values taught by his parents motivated him to use his position as a professional athlete to make a positive difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gabriel Vilardi’s Family
Who is Gabriel Vilardi’s girlfriend?
Gabriel Vilardi’s girlfriend is Megan Rodgers, who is originally from Southern California. She has volunteered alongside him in Winnipeg community programs, including activities involving the True North Youth Foundation.
Is Gabriel Vilardi married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Gabriel Vilardi is married. Megan Rodgers has been publicly identified as his girlfriend.
Does Gabriel Vilardi have children?
No reliable public reports have confirmed that Gabriel Vilardi has children.
Who are Gabriel Vilardi’s parents?
His parents are Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia. They immigrated to Canada from southern Italy and raised their two sons in Kingston, Ontario.
Who is Gabriel Vilardi’s father?
His father is Natale Vilardi, also referred to as Lino Vilardi in hockey interviews. He immigrated from Italy and encouraged his sons to participate in sports.
Who is Gabriel Vilardi’s mother?
His mother is Giovanna Siviglia, who grew up in southern Italy before immigrating to Canada. She helped raise Gabriel and his older brother Francesco in Kingston.
Does Gabriel Vilardi have siblings?
Yes. Gabriel Vilardi has one publicly documented sibling, an older brother named Francesco Vilardi, also known as Frank.
Who is Gabriel Vilardi’s brother?
His older brother is Francesco Vilardi, a former competitive hockey player who represented the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League and played university hockey at Queen’s University.
Does Gabriel Vilardi have a sister?
No sister has been identified in reliable family reporting. The Los Angeles Kings’ official family profile described the Vilardi household as a family of four, consisting of Gabriel, Francesco, and their parents.
Are Gabriel Vilardi’s parents Italian?
Yes. Both of Gabriel Vilardi’s parents are originally from southern Italy, specifically the Reggio Calabria region.
Where is Gabriel Vilardi’s family from?
His parents are originally from Italy, but the family established its home in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where Gabriel was born and raised.
What NHL team does Gabriel Vilardi play for?
Gabriel Vilardi plays for the Winnipeg Jets. He joined the organization in June 2023 after previously playing for the Los Angeles Kings.
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.
