Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Jacob Trouba is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 26, 1994, in Rochester, Michigan, he grew up in an athletic family that encouraged his interest in competitive sports.
His parents are John Trouba and Kristy Trouba, and he has two brothers, T.J. Trouba and Chris Trouba. His father played college basketball, while his mother participated in college softball.
In his personal life, Jacob is married to Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba, a physician whom he met while attending the University of Michigan. The couple married in 2020 and have two sons: Axel, born in January 2024, and a second son born in January 2026.
Trouba’s wife, children, parents, and brothers have played important roles in his life, from his early hockey development to his professional career with Winnipeg, New York, Anaheim, and San Jose.
Jacob Trouba’s Wife: Who Is Kelly Tyson-Trouba?
Jacob Trouba is married to Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba, an American physician with a background in neuroscience.
Kelly attended the University of Michigan, where she studied neuroscience before pursuing postgraduate education and a medical career.
Her relationship with Jacob became widely known in 2019 when ESPN published an interview about the couple’s efforts to balance their demanding careers.
At the time, Trouba was an established NHL defenseman, while Kelly was working toward becoming a doctor.
Both emphasized that their individual professional ambitions were equally important.
How Did Jacob Trouba and Kelly Tyson Meet?
Jacob Trouba and Kelly Tyson met on Halloween in 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
According to an ESPN interview published on August 29, 2019, they met at a bar during a Halloween celebration.
Jacob was dressed as Superman, while Kelly was wearing a Superwoman costume.
They were both students at the University of Michigan, although Kelly was further along in her education.
Jacob was a freshman playing college hockey for the Michigan Wolverines, while Kelly was a senior studying neuroscience.
Their shared university experience helped establish their relationship.
However, their professional ambitions soon created challenges.
After graduation, Kelly moved to Sydney, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree, while Jacob began his NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets.
The couple initially separated because of the distance but later reunited.
They maintained a long-distance relationship while pursuing their individual careers.
When Did Jacob Trouba Get Married?
Jacob Trouba and Kelly Tyson married in June 2020.
The couple had become engaged in 2018 after several years together.
In their August 2019 ESPN interview, they explained that they had postponed their wedding until the following year because of Kelly’s medical education and Jacob’s NHL commitments.
Their marriage was subsequently announced publicly in June 2020.
Some secondary biographies incorrectly give 2019 as their wedding year. However, their own 2019 interview establishes that they were still engaged at that time.
Since marrying, the couple has continued supporting each other through professional relocations, medical training, and parenthood.
What Does Kelly Tyson-Trouba Do for a Living?
Kelly Tyson-Trouba is a physician who pursued medical training after completing studies in neuroscience.
She attended medical school in Florida before beginning medical residency training in New York.
Her professional responsibilities became an important consideration in Jacob’s NHL career.
When the Winnipeg Jets traded Trouba to the New York Rangers in June 2019, he publicly explained that moving to the United States would provide better opportunities for both himself and Kelly.
She subsequently continued her medical education and residency while Jacob played for the Rangers.
In December 2024, when New York traded Jacob to the Anaheim Ducks, Kelly was still completing her medical residency in New York.
The couple temporarily lived apart while she completed her professional commitments.
According to reporting published in July 2026, Kelly had completed neuroscience-related residency training and was continuing to develop her medical career.
Jacob Trouba and Kelly’s Charity Work
Jacob and Kelly have collaborated on charitable projects supporting people living with epilepsy.
Kelly has publicly discussed her own experience with the neurological condition.
The couple established the Trouba Creative Expressions Arts Program in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York.
The initiative provides opportunities for adults affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders to participate in artistic activities and art therapy.
Jacob has also used his painting projects to raise money for charitable organizations.
In 2024, he received the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in recognition of his community involvement and leadership.
The award highlighted his contributions to organizations including the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation.
Jacob Trouba’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Jacob Trouba and his wife Kelly have two children, both sons.
Their first son, Axel, was born in January 2024, while their second son arrived in January 2026.
Earlier articles published before 2026 may identify only Axel because their second child had not yet been born.
Axel Trouba – Jacob Trouba’s First Son
Axel Trouba is the eldest child of Jacob and Kelly Tyson-Trouba.
He was born in January 2024, during Jacob’s time as captain of the New York Rangers.
His birth represented an important milestone for the couple, who had spent years balancing professional hockey and medical training.
In an exclusive interview with People published on August 3, 2024, Jacob discussed becoming a father and how the experience had changed his priorities.
He explained that he particularly enjoyed returning home and spending time with his son.
At the time, Axel was approximately eight months old.
Jacob also discussed introducing his son to art through children’s books.
His growing interest in painting had become another important part of his life away from professional hockey.
How Axel Influenced Jacob Trouba’s Career Decisions
Becoming a father influenced the way Jacob approached professional hockey decisions.
In December 2024, the New York Rangers traded him to the Anaheim Ducks.
At the time, Kelly and Axel remained in New York because she was completing her medical residency.
The temporary separation was particularly difficult for Jacob.
In a January 2025 interview, he explained that being away from his son was one of the hardest parts of adjusting to his new team.
He made efforts to visit his family whenever his hockey schedule allowed.
The experience reinforced the importance of finding stability for his wife and children.
Jacob Trouba’s Second Son – Born in January 2026
Jacob and Kelly welcomed their second son in January 2026.
At the time, Jacob was playing for the Anaheim Ducks.
On January 10, 2026, Trouba missed Anaheim’s game against the Buffalo Sabres because he had returned home for the expected birth of his child.
According to reporting from The Sporting Tribune, the family welcomed a healthy baby boy during that weekend.
Jacob returned to the Ducks’ lineup on January 13 against the Dallas Stars.
CBS Sports subsequently confirmed that he had welcomed a newborn, and later reporting identified the child as his second son.
His younger son’s name has not been reliably established in the public sources reviewed.
In July 2026, San Jose Hockey Now confirmed that Jacob and Kelly were raising two children when the family decided to move to Northern California.
Jacob Trouba’s Parents
Jacob Trouba was born to John Trouba and Kristy Trouba in Rochester, Michigan.
Both parents were competitive college athletes and encouraged their children to participate in sports.
Their identities and athletic backgrounds are confirmed in official USA Hockey and New York Rangers player biographies.
John Trouba – Jacob Trouba’s Father
John Trouba is Jacob Trouba’s father and a former college basketball player.
He played basketball at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, according to reporting published by the Winnipeg Free Press in July 2012.
His athletic background influenced the family’s appreciation for competition and teamwork.
John helped introduce Jacob to hockey when he was approximately four years old.
Interestingly, Jacob initially showed little enthusiasm for ice skating.
His older brother T.J. had asked their father to take him skating with friends, and Jacob accompanied them.
During his first experience on the ice, Jacob repeatedly fell and wanted to stop.
However, John encouraged him to continue trying.
In a 2013 interview with The Hockey News, Jacob recalled that his father’s encouragement helped him develop an interest in the sport.
He eventually began enjoying hockey and decided to pursue organized competition.
How John Trouba Supported Jacob’s Hockey Career
John continued supporting Jacob through youth hockey programs in Michigan.
Because both Jacob and T.J. enjoyed the sport, their father sometimes arranged for them to play together despite differences in age.
Jacob explained that playing with older children helped develop his skating, confidence, and physical abilities.
John encouraged his sons to remain active and participate in different sports.
Jacob also played basketball and baseball during childhood.
Although John had not played organized ice hockey himself, he supported Jacob’s growing ambitions.
As Jacob progressed through the Detroit Compuware AAA hockey program, his father continued helping him manage the demands of training and competition.
John’s support remained important when Jacob moved into the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Kristy Trouba – Jacob Trouba’s Mother
Kristy Trouba is Jacob Trouba’s mother and a former college softball player.
She raised Jacob and his two brothers alongside her husband John in Rochester, Michigan.
Kristy has regularly spoken about Jacob’s competitive personality and dedication to hockey.
In an interview published by the Associated Press in 2024, she recalled that Jacob spent considerable time practicing his shooting skills in the family’s garage.
She described him as a determined young athlete who worked consistently toward his goals.
Although Kristy supported Jacob’s ambitions, she also encouraged him to enjoy a balanced childhood.
She wanted him to participate in school activities, spend time with friends, and enjoy experiences outside hockey.
Nevertheless, Jacob frequently chose to dedicate additional time to training.
Kristy Trouba and Cancer Awareness
In April 2024, Kristy appeared alongside Jacob in an NHL and AstraZeneca campaign promoting cancer screening and early detection.
The initiative was called Get Body Checked Against Cancer.
Kristy participated in the campaign because cancer awareness held personal importance for their family.
Jacob explained in an interview with Bustle that his maternal grandfather had died from melanoma.
He also discussed the importance of preventive medical appointments and regular health screenings.
The mother-and-son campaign encouraged hockey fans to speak with medical professionals about appropriate cancer screening.
The NHL Players’ Association highlighted their involvement as an example of athletes using their public platforms to support community health initiatives.
Kristy’s participation demonstrated the close relationship she maintained with her son beyond his hockey career.
Jacob Trouba’s Siblings: Meet His Two Brothers
Jacob Trouba has two brothers, T.J. Trouba and Chris Trouba.
USA Hockey’s official 2011 World Under-18 Championship media guide identifies his brothers as T.J. and Chris.
A later New York Rangers player biography lists them as Tom and Chris. The first brother is commonly identified as T.J. in interviews and early hockey records.
T.J. Trouba – Jacob Trouba’s Older Brother
T.J. Trouba is Jacob Trouba’s older brother and the sibling who helped introduce him to ice hockey.
He grew up in Rochester, Michigan, alongside Jacob and Chris.
According to Jacob’s interviews with The Hockey News and Sportsnet, T.J. was already interested in hockey when Jacob was very young.
One day, T.J. asked their father to take him skating with friends.
Jacob accompanied them and eventually developed his own passion for the sport.
In a later interview about his childhood, Jacob identified his older brother as an important influence on his early hockey experiences.
Although T.J. participated in hockey during childhood, reliable public sources provide limited information about his later career, education, and personal life.
His role in introducing Jacob to skating remains one of the best-documented parts of their relationship.
Chris Trouba – Jacob Trouba’s Younger Brother
Chris Trouba is Jacob Trouba’s younger brother and a former competitive ice hockey defenseman.
Like Jacob, Chris grew up in Rochester, Michigan, and developed his hockey abilities through youth programs.
He subsequently played junior hockey for the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League.
According to Plattsburgh State University’s official athletics biography, Chris represented Johnstown from the 2016–17 season through 2019–20.
He served as team captain during his final two seasons.
Chris also received recognition as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year during the 2017–18 season.
During the 2018–19 campaign, he helped Johnstown enjoy one of the most successful seasons in the organization’s history.
The Tomahawks won the NAHL regular-season championship and reached the Robertson Cup championship tournament.
Chris was selected to the 2019 Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team.
Chris Trouba’s College Hockey Career
After completing his junior hockey career, Chris joined Plattsburgh State University in New York.
He was listed as a defenseman for the Cardinals during the 2020–21 season.
However, the team’s season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His university biography identifies his parents as John and Kristy Trouba and confirms Jacob as his older brother.
Chris studied finance while continuing his involvement in hockey.
Although he did not achieve the same NHL success as Jacob, he developed an accomplished junior hockey career and demonstrated leadership as a team captain.
Does Jacob Trouba Have a Sister?
No sister is identified in Jacob Trouba’s official USA Hockey or New York Rangers biographies.
Both sources document two brothers.
Therefore, T.J. and Chris are Jacob’s two publicly confirmed siblings.
Jacob Trouba’s Childhood and Family Background
Jacob Trouba was born on February 26, 1994, in Rochester, Michigan, United States.
He grew up in a family where both parents had participated in college sports.
His father played basketball, while his mother played softball.
Jacob initially played several sports before concentrating on ice hockey.
He also developed an interest in baseball and continued playing the sport during high school.
As a young hockey player, he joined the Detroit Compuware AAA program.
He helped the organization win national championships in 2007 and 2009.
His performances eventually earned him an opportunity with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
During that period, Jacob lived with relatives, Jim and Janice Trouba, who helped support him while he developed his hockey career.
He later attended the University of Michigan, where he played NCAA Division I hockey.
How Jacob Trouba Reached the NHL
The Winnipeg Jets selected Jacob Trouba in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft with the ninth overall pick.
After spending the 2012–13 season at the University of Michigan, he signed an entry-level contract with Winnipeg.
He made his NHL debut on October 1, 2013, against the Edmonton Oilers.
During that game, Trouba scored his first NHL goal and contributed to Winnipeg’s victory.
He subsequently established himself as an important member of the Jets’ defensive lineup.
In June 2019, Winnipeg traded him to the New York Rangers.
The move helped the couple pursue their professional ambitions while living in the same country.
Trouba became captain of the Rangers in August 2022.
During his time in New York, he received recognition for his physical playing style, leadership, and charitable activities.
He was awarded the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2024.
Jacob Trouba’s Family During His Move to Anaheim
On December 6, 2024, the Rangers traded Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.
The move created significant family challenges because Kelly was still completing her medical residency in New York.
Jacob relocated to California while Kelly and their son Axel temporarily remained in New York.
He publicly emphasized that supporting his wife’s professional career was an important priority.
In an interview following the trade, Trouba explained that he had previously declined certain trade possibilities because he wanted to remain with his family.
He maintained that the decision was based on family responsibilities rather than a lack of interest in other NHL organizations.
During the 2025–26 season, Trouba helped Anaheim return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He recorded ten goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 81 regular-season games.
The season also included the birth of his second son in January 2026.
Jacob Trouba’s Family and Move to the San Jose Sharks
On July 1, 2026, Jacob Trouba signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks worth $33 million.
The agreement carries an average annual value of $8.25 million and runs through the 2029–30 season.
In an interview following the announcement, Trouba explained that the contract’s length was important because he was making decisions for his wife and children, not only his hockey career.
He wanted stability for the family after several years of professional moves and periods of living apart.
According to San Jose Hockey Now, Jacob and Kelly considered several NHL opportunities before deciding that San Jose was the best fit for both careers.
His familiarity with former Rangers teammate Barclay Goodrow also contributed positively to the move.
The Sharks viewed Trouba as an experienced defenseman who could provide leadership to their young lineup.
For Jacob, the contract also represented an opportunity to establish a longer-term home with Kelly and their two sons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacob Trouba’s Family
Who is Jacob Trouba’s wife?
Jacob Trouba is married to Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba, a physician whom he met at the University of Michigan in 2012.
When did Jacob Trouba get married?
Jacob Trouba married Kelly Tyson in June 2020. The couple had become engaged in 2018.
How did Jacob Trouba meet his wife?
Jacob and Kelly met at a Halloween celebration in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2012. Jacob was dressed as Superman, while Kelly wore a Superwoman costume.
What does Jacob Trouba’s wife do?
Kelly Tyson-Trouba is a physician with a background in neuroscience and medical residency training in New York.
How many children does Jacob Trouba have?
Jacob Trouba has two sons with his wife Kelly. Their eldest son, Axel, was born in January 2024, and their second son was born in January 2026.
Who is Jacob Trouba’s oldest son?
His oldest son is Axel Trouba, who was born in January 2024.
When was Jacob Trouba’s second child born?
His second son was born in January 2026 while Jacob was playing for the Anaheim Ducks. The child’s name has not been reliably confirmed.
Who are Jacob Trouba’s parents?
His parents are John Trouba and Kristy Trouba. His father played college basketball, while his mother played college softball.
Who is Jacob Trouba’s father?
His father is John Trouba, a former University of Michigan-Dearborn basketball player who encouraged Jacob to pursue hockey during childhood.
Who is Jacob Trouba’s mother?
His mother is Kristy Trouba, a former college softball player who participated with Jacob in an NHL cancer-awareness campaign in 2024.
Does Jacob Trouba have siblings?
Yes. Jacob Trouba has two brothers, T.J. Trouba and Chris Trouba.
Who is Jacob Trouba’s older brother?
T.J. Trouba is Jacob’s older brother and helped introduce him to ice skating when he was approximately four years old.
Who is Jacob Trouba’s younger brother?
Chris Trouba is his younger brother and a former junior hockey defenseman who played for the Johnstown Tomahawks before joining Plattsburgh State University.
Does Jacob Trouba have a sister?
No sister is identified in his official USA Hockey and New York Rangers biographies.
Where is Jacob Trouba from?
Jacob Trouba was born and raised in Rochester, Michigan, where he began playing hockey before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
What NHL team does Jacob Trouba play for?
Jacob Trouba plays for the San Jose Sharks, who signed him to a four-year contract in July 2026.
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.
