Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Joe Veleno, whose full name is Joseph Veleno, is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 13, 2000, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Veleno grew up in a close-knit family of Italian descent that played an important role in his development as a professional athlete.
His parents are Antonio “Tony” Veleno and Lina Veleno. He has two siblings: an older brother named Michael-Anthony Veleno and a younger sister named Juliana Veleno. His family also includes cousins who have played competitive ice hockey.
Although Veleno has openly discussed his parents, siblings, and Italian heritage, he maintains a relatively private romantic life. Reliable public sources have not confirmed whether he has a girlfriend, wife, or children.
Joe Veleno’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Joe Veleno has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable NHL interviews, official team publications, or established sports reporting.
Despite spending several seasons in professional hockey, the Canadian forward has generally kept his dating life away from public attention.
Most interviews featuring Veleno focus on his hockey career, family upbringing, Italian heritage, and the sacrifices his parents made to support his athletic ambitions.
His official Hockey Canada biography and interviews with the Grand Rapids Griffins and NHL Players’ Association do not identify a romantic partner.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that Veleno is married or engaged.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains unknown. Identifying a particular woman as his girlfriend or wife without reliable confirmation would be speculative.
Is Joe Veleno Married?
There is no reliable public information establishing that Joe Veleno is married.
Although he has discussed his family relationships in several interviews, he has not publicly disclosed details about a wedding or spouse.
Official NHL profiles and established sports publications have not confirmed a marriage.
Does Joe Veleno Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Joe Veleno has children.
His official player biographies and interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Veleno has occasionally discussed the importance of family life, particularly his relationship with his parents and siblings. However, these comments have not included confirmation that he has become a father.
Therefore, whether Joe Veleno has children remains unconfirmed rather than an established public fact.
Joe Veleno’s Parents
Joe Veleno was born to Antonio Veleno and Lina Veleno in Montreal, Quebec.
His parents raised three children in Kirkland, a suburb of Montreal, and maintained strong connections to their Italian heritage.
Both parents made considerable sacrifices to support Joe’s development, especially when he began pursuing elite junior hockey opportunities outside Quebec.
Their names are confirmed by Hockey Canada’s official player biography.
Father: Antonio “Tony” Veleno
Joe Veleno’s father is Antonio Veleno, commonly known as Tony Veleno.
According to a November 2019 profile published by the Grand Rapids Griffins, Tony worked as a manager for a catering company while raising his family in Kirkland, Quebec.
His professional responsibilities required him to balance work commitments with supporting his children’s activities.
Joe began playing hockey at a young age and quickly demonstrated considerable talent.
As he progressed through minor hockey, his parents supported his participation in competitive programs, including the Lac St-Louis Lions.
These opportunities involved practices, tournaments, and travel, requiring considerable family commitment.
During an interview with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Joe acknowledged that his parents had made many sacrifices to help him reach the professional level.
Their dedication became particularly important when he received exceptional-player status in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
In 2015, Veleno became the first player in QMJHL history to receive exceptional status, allowing him to enter major junior hockey at age 15.
He subsequently joined the Saint John Sea Dogs in New Brunswick, approximately nine hours from his family’s home near Montreal.
Although the move created challenges, Tony and Lina continued supporting their son’s development.
During a 2015 interview with Le Journal de Québec, Joe explained that his parents frequently attended his home games in Saint John.
Their encouragement helped him adjust to living away from home during his teenage years.
Beyond his involvement in Joe’s hockey development, reliable public information about Tony’s education and other personal activities remains limited.
Mother: Lina Veleno
Joe Veleno’s mother is Lina Veleno, who helped raise Joe and his two siblings in the Montreal area.
She has been an important source of encouragement throughout his athletic career.
According to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 2019 profile, Lina played a significant role in maintaining the family’s structure and helping her children develop discipline and responsibility.
Like her husband, she supported Joe’s hockey ambitions while encouraging him to maintain strong personal values.
Lina’s connection to her son’s career has been visible at several important stages of his development.
When Joe joined the Saint John Sea Dogs at age 15, she and Tony continued traveling to watch his games despite the considerable distance from home.
They were pleased when he was traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in December 2017 because the move brought him much closer to the family.
Drummondville was approximately one hour from Kirkland, making it easier for his parents to attend games regularly.
Lina Veleno’s Italian Family Traditions
Food and family gatherings have remained important parts of the Veleno household.
In an October 2025 interview with the NHL Players’ Association, Joe discussed enjoying home-cooked meals after joining the Montreal Canadiens.
He explained that returning to his hometown allowed him to spend more time with his parents and relatives.
One memorable family gathering involved his Canadiens teammate Ivan Demidov, who visited the Veleno home for dinner.
During the visit, Lina prepared homemade Italian pasta and other traditional dishes.
According to Joe, Demidov enjoyed the meal enough to have a second serving and take leftovers home.
The story highlighted the family’s hospitality and continued attachment to its Italian culinary traditions.
Although Lina has been mentioned in several hockey interviews, reliable public information about her professional occupation and educational background remains limited.
Joe Veleno’s Siblings
Joe Veleno has two siblings: an older brother named Michael-Anthony Veleno and a younger sister named Juliana Veleno.
Their names are confirmed by Hockey Canada’s official player biography.
The three siblings grew up in Kirkland, Quebec, surrounded by a family that emphasized education, athletic participation, and strong personal relationships.
Brother: Michael-Anthony Veleno
Michael-Anthony Veleno is Joe Veleno’s older brother and a former competitive junior ice hockey player.
Like Joe, Michael-Anthony developed an interest in hockey during childhood.
The brothers grew up playing street hockey, pond hockey, soccer, and other games alongside their older cousins.
According to a 2016 Yahoo Sports feature, Michael-Anthony and Joe frequently competed with their cousins Michael and Anthony Buonincontri, who lived next door.
These activities helped Joe develop his competitive personality from a young age.
Michael-Anthony subsequently pursued junior hockey opportunities in Quebec.
During a 2017 interview published by Hockey Hebdo, Joe confirmed that his older brother had played in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League (QJAAAHL).
Joe also discussed the influence of his brother and cousins on his early development.
Although the family members competed against one another during childhood, their shared interest in hockey created strong relationships.
Michael-Anthony was approximately three years older than Joe, according to family information published during Joe’s junior hockey career.
Unlike his younger brother, Michael-Anthony did not establish a documented NHL playing career.
Further verified information about his current professional occupation, romantic relationships, or family life remains limited.
Sister: Juliana Veleno
Juliana Veleno is Joe Veleno’s younger sister.
Her name is confirmed by Hockey Canada’s official player biography, which identifies her alongside their parents and older brother.
Juliana grew up with her brothers in Kirkland, Quebec, where the family maintained strong connections to sports and extracurricular activities.
While Joe and Michael-Anthony pursued hockey, Juliana developed an interest in dance.
During a December 2017 interview with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Joe mentioned that his younger sister was 16 years old and participated in dancing.
The interview provided a rare public glimpse into Juliana’s interests outside her brothers’ hockey careers.
Although Juliana is publicly identified as Joe’s sister, she has maintained a relatively private life.
Reliable public sources do not provide extensive details about her education, professional occupation, or romantic relationships.
There is also no verified information establishing whether she continued pursuing competitive dance professionally.
Joe Veleno’s Cousins and Extended Hockey Family
Joe Veleno’s extended family includes two cousins, Michael Buonincontri and Anthony Buonincontri, who influenced his childhood interest in hockey.
The cousins lived next door to the Veleno family in the Montreal area.
According to a 2016 Yahoo Sports interview, Joe frequently played sports with Michael-Anthony and the two cousins.
These childhood games included street hockey, soccer, and miniature hockey played indoors.
The family members regularly competed against one another, creating a highly competitive sporting environment.
Cousin: Michael Buonincontri
Michael Buonincontri is one of Joe Veleno’s older cousins and a former professional ice hockey player.
Michael pursued a hockey career in Europe, including playing in France.
During a 2017 Hockey Hebdo interview, Joe discussed his cousin’s influence on his decision to pursue hockey professionally.
He explained that Michael lived nearby and that watching him practice hockey during childhood helped inspire his own ambitions.
Michael played for French hockey organizations, including Dunkerque and Caen, before moving to Tours.
His experience in professional hockey provided Joe with an early example of someone from his own family pursuing the sport beyond the junior level.
Their relationship demonstrates how extended family members contributed to Joe’s development long before he reached the NHL.
Cousin: Anthony Buonincontri
Anthony Buonincontri is another of Joe Veleno’s older cousins.
He participated in the family’s childhood hockey games alongside Joe, Michael-Anthony, and Michael Buonincontri.
Anthony is mentioned in both the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 2019 profile and Yahoo Sports’ 2016 feature about Joe’s early development.
Although Anthony’s involvement in the family’s sporting activities is documented, reliable public information about his later career and personal life remains limited.
Joe Veleno’s Italian Family Heritage
Joe Veleno comes from a Canadian family of Italian descent.
His grandparents were born in Italy before the family established roots in Canada.
According to a December 2017 interview published by the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Joe spoke about his family’s Italian background while discussing his upbringing and relatives.
Italian traditions have remained an important part of the household, particularly through language, food, and family gatherings.
Joe speaks English, French, and Italian, reflecting his upbringing in Quebec and his family’s cultural heritage.
In an October 2025 NHL Players’ Association interview, he described how returning to Montreal gave him opportunities to reconnect with relatives and enjoy traditional Italian meals.
The family’s emphasis on spending time together has continued to influence his personal life despite the demands of professional hockey.
How Joe Veleno’s Family Supported His Hockey Career
Joe Veleno’s hockey journey began in the Montreal area, where he developed his skills through minor hockey organizations.
His parents supported his early participation in the sport, while his older brother and cousins helped develop his competitive instincts through informal games.
As he progressed through minor hockey, Veleno joined the Lac St-Louis Lions, becoming one of Quebec’s most promising young players.
In 2015, he received exceptional-player status in the QMJHL and was selected first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs.
Leaving home at 15 years old required considerable independence.
However, his parents continued supporting him from Quebec while he pursued his major junior career in New Brunswick.
In December 2017, Veleno was traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs, bringing him closer to home.
His family welcomed the move because they could attend more of his games.
The Detroit Red Wings subsequently selected Veleno in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft with the 30th overall pick.
He later developed with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League before making his NHL debut with Detroit on April 27, 2021.
Throughout his progression, Veleno consistently acknowledged the sacrifices his family had made to help him succeed.
Joe Veleno’s NHL Career and Family Milestones
Joe Veleno began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings after being selected in the 2018 draft.
He spent several seasons with Detroit before joining the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2025.
Later that year, he signed with the Montreal Canadiens, fulfilling an important childhood dream of playing professional hockey in his hometown.
During an October 2025 interview with the NHL Players’ Association, Veleno described how meaningful it was to play in Montreal while living close to his family.
He celebrated earning a place on the Canadiens roster by having dinner at his childhood home with his parents.
Returning to Quebec allowed him to spend more time with relatives he previously saw less frequently because of his professional commitments.
His parents also had more opportunities to attend his games in person.
After the 2025-26 season, Veleno signed a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2026.
The move represented another chapter in his professional career, although his family’s influence remained a recurring theme in interviews about his development and accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Veleno’s Family
Who is Joe Veleno’s girlfriend?
Joe Veleno has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend through reliable sources. His current romantic relationship status remains unknown.
Is Joe Veleno married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Joe Veleno is married.
Does Joe Veleno have children?
No reliable public information confirms that Joe Veleno has children.
Who are Joe Veleno’s parents?
Joe Veleno’s parents are Antonio “Tony” Veleno and Lina Veleno, who raised their three children in the Montreal area.
Who is Joe Veleno’s father?
His father is Tony Veleno, who worked as a catering company manager and supported his son’s hockey career from childhood.
Who is Joe Veleno’s mother?
His mother is Lina Veleno, who has been an important source of encouragement throughout his professional development.
How many siblings does Joe Veleno have?
Joe Veleno has two siblings: an older brother, Michael-Anthony Veleno, and a younger sister, Juliana Veleno.
Is Joe Veleno’s brother a hockey player?
Yes. Michael-Anthony Veleno played junior hockey in Quebec, including in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League.
Who is Joe Veleno’s sister?
His younger sister is Juliana Veleno, who participated in dance during her teenage years.
Is Joe Veleno Italian?
Joe Veleno is Canadian and has Italian ancestry. His grandparents were born in Italy, and he speaks Italian alongside English and French.
Does Joe Veleno have relatives who played professional hockey?
Yes. His cousin Michael Buonincontri played professional hockey in France, while his older brother Michael-Anthony played junior hockey in Quebec.
Where is Joe Veleno’s family from?
Joe Veleno grew up in Kirkland, Quebec, near Montreal. His family has Italian roots through his grandparents.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
