Johnathan Kovacevic’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins

Johnathan Kovacevic 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 July 12, 1997, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, he grew up in Grimsby in a family with strong connections to southeastern Europe.

Kovacevic’s parents are Novica and Angie Kovacevic, who immigrated to Canada from the former Yugoslavia. His father is originally from Montenegro, while his mother comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also has two siblings: an older brother named Ryan Kovacevic and a sister named Daniela Kovacevic.

His parents’ experiences as immigrants played an important role in shaping his values, particularly his appreciation for education, hard work, and perseverance. Although his family background is well documented, Kovacevic maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Girlfriend or Wife

Johnathan Kovacevic has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable NHL interviews or official team publications.

Although the Canadian defenseman has gained recognition throughout his professional hockey career, he generally prefers discussing his family, education, childhood, and professional achievements rather than his romantic relationships.

His interviews with the Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, and New Jersey Devils have primarily focused on his parents’ immigration story, the sacrifices they made for their children, and his unusual combination of professional hockey and engineering education.

There are no sufficiently verified public reports identifying a current girlfriend, fiancée, or longtime romantic partner.

Consequently, his relationship status remains private. The absence of a publicly identified partner does not necessarily mean that Kovacevic is single.

Is Johnathan Kovacevic Married?

There is no credible public confirmation that Johnathan Kovacevic is married.

He has not publicly announced a wedding, and official NHL biographies do not identify a wife.

Although he may choose to keep his personal relationships private, the available public information does not establish that he has married.

Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe him as married without reliable supporting evidence.

Does Johnathan Kovacevic Have Children?

There is no verified public information confirming that Johnathan Kovacevic has children.

Neither official NHL profiles nor established sports publications have reliably identified any sons or daughters.

His documented family relationships primarily involve his parents, older brother, sister, and extended relatives.

While Kovacevic has discussed the importance of family and the sacrifices his parents made for their children, he has not publicly confirmed becoming a father.

Consequently, no children can be reliably attributed to him based on available public information.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Parents

Johnathan Kovacevic was raised by his parents, Novica and Angie Kovacevic, in Ontario, Canada.

Both parents immigrated from the former Yugoslavia and worked hard to establish successful careers and provide educational opportunities for their three children.

In a January 31, 2023, interview published by Sportsnet, Kovacevic discussed his parents’ experiences and explained how their sacrifices influenced his personality and professional ambitions.

His father moved to Canada as an adult during a period of growing political tensions in Yugoslavia, while his mother had immigrated during childhood.

After meeting in Hamilton, Ontario, the couple established a family and encouraged their children to pursue education and competitive sports.

Father: Novica Kovacevic

Johnathan Kovacevic’s father is Novica Kovacevic, a software engineer originally from Montenegro.

According to interviews with Sportsnet and NHL.com, Novica grew up in the former Yugoslavia and developed a strong interest in mathematics, physics, and computer science.

He attended a prestigious technical institution and established a career in computer programming.

During the 1980s, his professional responsibilities included working with technology and traveling internationally.

However, increasing political instability in Yugoslavia eventually influenced his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.

In May 1991, Novica moved to Canada, shortly before the outbreak of the Yugoslav Wars.

He initially settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where he had limited family connections.

Starting a new life in another country involved considerable challenges, including adapting to a different language, culture, and professional environment.

Nevertheless, Novica used his education and technical background to establish himself in Canada.

How Novica Kovacevic Met His Wife Angie

Novica met his future wife, Angie, in Hamilton during the summer of 1991.

The two were introduced through members of the local Serbian community.

According to accounts of the family’s history, mutual acquaintances helped arrange their introduction.

The couple developed a relationship and eventually married, building a family together in Ontario.

They welcomed three children: Ryan, Daniela, and Johnathan.

Both parents shared an appreciation for education because of the opportunities it had provided during their own lives.

Novica Kovacevic’s Influence on His Son’s Education

Novica strongly encouraged his children to pursue academic qualifications alongside their sporting interests.

In an interview published by NHL.com on March 20, 2024, Johnathan explained that his father’s engineering background influenced his decision to study civil engineering.

Novica held a degree in computer engineering, while Johnathan’s older brother, Ryan, studied mechanical engineering.

Growing up around family members interested in mathematics and engineering helped Johnathan develop similar interests.

When he received an opportunity to pursue professional hockey before completing college, his parents encouraged him to finish his education.

Johnathan promised Novica and Angie that he would complete his degree at Merrimack College.

He eventually fulfilled that promise, earning his civil engineering qualification while playing professional hockey in the American Hockey League.

For Novica, the achievement was particularly meaningful because education had helped him establish a successful life after immigrating to Canada.

Mother: Angie Kovacevic

Johnathan Kovacevic’s mother is Angie Kovacevic, a nurse originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to a January 2023 Sportsnet interview, Angie grew up in a small rural village in the former Yugoslavia.

Her childhood circumstances were very different from those her children later experienced in Canada.

The village lacked several basic services, including electricity, running water, and modern road infrastructure.

Her family relied heavily on traditional farming practices and animals for transportation and everyday activities.

When Angie was approximately eight years old, her family immigrated to Canada in search of better opportunities.

They settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where adapting to their new surroundings presented considerable challenges.

Her family initially shared accommodation with other immigrant households near the Stelco steel plant.

Despite the difficult transition, Angie continued pursuing education and eventually established a career in nursing.

She worked as a nurse in Ontario, helping provide financial stability for her family.

Angie Kovacevic’s Support for Her Children’s Hockey Careers

Angie played an important role in supporting Johnathan and his siblings throughout childhood.

Neither she nor Novica had grown up playing ice hockey, meaning they initially had limited knowledge of the sport.

In a January 2023 interview with Sportsnet, Johnathan recalled that his parents had never worn ice skates themselves.

When his older brother Ryan began playing minor hockey in Grimsby, their parents initially struggled to understand which equipment he needed.

However, they quickly learned about the sport and became enthusiastic supporters.

As Johnathan developed his own interest in hockey, Angie helped organize his demanding training schedule.

His practices sometimes began at 6:30 in the morning, requiring the family to wake up before 5 a.m.

His parents frequently arrived early so he could spend extra time skating before organized practices began.

Managing the sporting activities of three children required significant time and financial sacrifices.

Nevertheless, Angie and Novica remained committed to supporting their children’s interests.

Johnathan has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the opportunities his parents provided and the determination they demonstrated after immigrating to Canada.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Siblings

Johnathan Kovacevic has two publicly confirmed siblings: an older brother named Ryan Kovacevic and a sister named Daniela Kovacevic.

Both siblings have pursued careers outside professional hockey, reflecting the family’s emphasis on higher education and professional development.

Older Brother: Ryan Kovacevic

Ryan Kovacevic is Johnathan Kovacevic’s older brother and has a background in mechanical engineering.

According to a March 2024 interview published by NHL.com, Ryan studied mechanical engineering, while their father worked in computer engineering.

The family’s interest in mathematics, science, and technology influenced Johnathan’s decision to study civil engineering.

Ryan was also one of the first members of the family to participate in organized ice hockey.

In a January 2023 Sportsnet interview, Johnathan recalled that Ryan began playing house league hockey in Grimsby, Ontario.

Because their parents had no previous experience with the sport, they initially purchased a basic equipment package that was missing some necessary items.

The experience became a humorous family memory and marked the beginning of the Kovacevic family’s involvement in Canadian hockey.

Ryan subsequently pursued education and professional opportunities outside the NHL.

In October 2022, TVA Sports reported that he was living in Nunavut, Canada.

However, his current residence and professional responsibilities have not been independently confirmed through recent major publications.

Ryan Kovacevic’s Support for His Brother

Ryan has maintained a close relationship with Johnathan throughout his professional hockey career.

One particularly memorable family occasion occurred in January 2022 when Johnathan received an opportunity to make his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Johnathan contacted his parents and brother shortly after learning that he would be playing his first NHL game.

Ryan traveled to Winnipeg alongside their parents to attend the game.

Johnathan made his NHL debut on January 27, 2022, against the Vancouver Canucks.

Having his family present for the occasion was especially meaningful because they had supported his hockey ambitions for many years.

Sister: Daniela Kovacevic

Daniela Kovacevic is Johnathan Kovacevic’s sister and a healthcare professional.

According to published biographical accounts, Daniela pursued higher education in occupational therapy.

She reportedly completed a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy at McMaster University in 2019.

After completing her studies, Daniela moved to New Zealand, where she worked in a therapeutic healthcare role.

In a January 2022 article published by the Winnipeg Free Press, Johnathan described his sister as a mental-health therapist living in New Zealand.

The report highlighted the family’s international connections and the different professional paths pursued by the three siblings.

While Johnathan became a professional hockey player, Ryan pursued engineering and Daniela entered the healthcare field.

All three paths reflect the importance their parents placed on education and personal development.

Daniela Kovacevic’s Support for Her Brother

Despite living far from Canada, Daniela remained connected to Johnathan’s professional hockey career.

When he learned that he would make his NHL debut in January 2022, Johnathan contacted Daniela to share the news.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Daniela had moved to New Zealand approximately a year earlier.

Although she could not attend the game in Winnipeg, she was among the family members he contacted to celebrate the achievement.

Her involvement demonstrated the close relationship between Johnathan and his siblings despite their different careers and geographic locations.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Family Heritage

Johnathan Kovacevic comes from a Canadian immigrant family with roots in the former Yugoslavia.

His father, Novica, is originally from Montenegro, while his mother, Angie, comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Both parents eventually settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where they met and established their family.

Growing up, Johnathan was exposed to different languages, traditions, and cultural experiences.

In an April 2023 interview with Le Journal de Québec, he explained that his multicultural upbringing helped him appreciate the importance of preserving languages and cultural identities.

That background also influenced his experience living in Montreal after joining the Canadiens in 2022.

He particularly appreciated Montreal’s bilingual environment and its combination of European and North American cultural influences.

Kovacevic had previously studied French immersion during his school years in Ontario and expressed interest in improving his French while playing for Montreal.

His family’s immigration history also strengthened his appreciation for the opportunities available in Canada.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Childhood and Hockey Development

Johnathan Kovacevic was born on July 12, 1997, in Hamilton, Ontario, and grew up in nearby Grimsby.

He developed an interest in hockey after watching his older brother Ryan participate in organized youth leagues.

Although neither parent had played hockey, they encouraged Johnathan to pursue the sport.

His early development involved frequent morning practices and significant travel between hockey facilities.

Despite his dedication, Kovacevic faced several setbacks during his teenage years.

He was cut from a competitive youth hockey team and was selected relatively late in the Ontario Hockey League draft.

Rather than immediately entering major junior hockey, he pursued a different path through junior hockey and college.

Kovacevic played for the Ottawa Junior Senators in the Central Canada Hockey League before joining Merrimack College in Massachusetts.

At Merrimack, he balanced a demanding civil engineering program with NCAA Division I hockey.

During his three collegiate seasons, he became an important defenseman for the Warriors.

His strong academic performances earned him multiple Hockey East All-Academic Team honors.

The Winnipeg Jets selected Kovacevic in the third round, 74th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

He signed his first professional contract in March 2019 and joined the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League.

Despite the demanding transition to professional hockey, he continued completing his engineering courses remotely.

He graduated in 2020 with an academic average close to 4.0.

His determination to finish college reflected the promise he had made to his parents.

Johnathan Kovacevic’s Journey to the New Jersey Devils

Johnathan Kovacevic made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets on January 27, 2022.

Although he initially received limited opportunities with Winnipeg, he continued working to establish himself as a regular NHL defenseman.

In October 2022, the Montreal Canadiens claimed him off waivers.

The move became an important turning point in his professional career.

He appeared in 77 games during the 2022–23 season, recording three goals and 12 assists.

His performances demonstrated that he could contribute consistently at the NHL level.

After two seasons with Montreal, the Canadiens traded Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils on June 30, 2024.

He established himself as a reliable defensive player during the 2024–25 season, appearing in 81 games and recording 17 points.

On March 7, 2025, New Jersey announced that Kovacevic had agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract extension.

The agreement represented an important achievement for a player who had spent several years working toward a permanent NHL opportunity.

Throughout his career, Kovacevic has continued emphasizing the importance of education, discipline, and persistence—values he learned from his parents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Johnathan Kovacevic’s Family

Who is Johnathan Kovacevic’s girlfriend?

Johnathan Kovacevic has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend. His romantic relationships remain private.

Is Johnathan Kovacevic married?

There is no credible public confirmation that Johnathan Kovacevic is married or has a wife.

Does Johnathan Kovacevic have children?

No children have been publicly confirmed through official NHL biographies or reliable sports reporting.

Who are Johnathan Kovacevic’s parents?

His parents are Novica Kovacevic, a software engineer originally from Montenegro, and Angie Kovacevic, a nurse originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who is Johnathan Kovacevic’s father?

His father is Novica Kovacevic, who immigrated to Canada in 1991 and established a career in software engineering.

Who is Johnathan Kovacevic’s mother?

His mother is Angie Kovacevic, who immigrated to Canada from Bosnia during childhood and later became a nurse.

How many siblings does Johnathan Kovacevic have?

Johnathan Kovacevic has two siblings: an older brother named Ryan and a sister named Daniela.

Who is Johnathan Kovacevic’s brother?

His older brother is Ryan Kovacevic, who studied mechanical engineering. Ryan also played organized hockey during childhood.

Who is Johnathan Kovacevic’s sister?

His sister is Daniela Kovacevic, who pursued occupational therapy and worked in New Zealand. She has maintained a relatively private personal life.

Is Johnathan Kovacevic Serbian?

Johnathan Kovacevic is Canadian by nationality. His father comes from Montenegro, and his mother comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. His parents met through the Serbian community in Hamilton, Ontario.

Where did Johnathan Kovacevic grow up?

Johnathan Kovacevic grew up in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, after being born in nearby Hamilton.

Is Johnathan Kovacevic an engineer?

Yes. Kovacevic earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Merrimack College while pursuing his professional hockey career.

What NHL team does Johnathan Kovacevic play for?

Johnathan Kovacevic plays for the New Jersey Devils. He joined the organization in June 2024 after previously playing for the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens.