Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Peter Laviolette is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player who serves as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 7, 1964, in Norwood, Massachusetts, Laviolette is recognized for his successful coaching career, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.
Beyond his accomplishments in hockey, Laviolette is a dedicated husband, father of three, and grandfather. His family includes his wife, Kristen Laviolette, their three children, Peter III, Jack, and Elisabeth, his parents, Peter Sr. and Helen Laviolette, and his sisters, Lauren Green and Leslie McInnis.
Peter Laviolette’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Peter Laviolette is married to Kristen Laviolette. The couple married in June 1996 in Norfolk, Massachusetts, and have built a family together throughout Peter’s lengthy professional hockey career.
Kristen has been an important source of support for her husband, particularly during the demands of coaching in the NHL, which often involves extensive travel, long working hours, and relocations.
The couple’s wedding became memorable for an unexpected reason. According to an April 2012 report by The Philadelphia Inquirer, their outdoor wedding celebration was interrupted by a severe thunderstorm.
Lightning struck a nearby well, and several wedding guests required medical attention. Despite the dramatic incident, Peter and Kristen continued their celebration and began their married life together.
Kristen has also participated in charitable activities associated with professional hockey.
In October 2014, she was appointed to the board of directors of the Nashville Predators Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families through community programs.
Her involvement reflected the family’s commitment to charitable causes and community engagement during Peter’s coaching career in Nashville.
Kristen has also played an important role in raising the couple’s three children while Peter pursued his professional ambitions.
In a 2018 interview published by Plymouth State University, their eldest son, Peter Laviolette III, praised his mother for managing family responsibilities during his father’s frequent absences.
He explained that Kristen helped the children with homework, drove them to hockey practices, and provided stability throughout their childhood.
Peter Laviolette’s Children
Peter Laviolette and his wife Kristen have three children: two sons, Peter Laviolette III and Jack Laviolette, and a daughter, Elisabeth Laviolette.
All three children have participated in competitive sports, continuing their family’s strong athletic traditions.
1. Peter Laviolette III – Peter Laviolette’s Eldest Son
Peter Philip Laviolette III is the eldest son of Peter and Kristen Laviolette. He was born in December 1997 in Wheeling, West Virginia, where his father was beginning his professional coaching career.
Growing up around hockey organizations, Peter III developed an interest in the sport at a young age.
His father introduced him to skating when he was approximately two years old, and he later participated in competitive youth hockey.
Peter III attended Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where he played college hockey.
After completing his collegiate career in 2022, he pursued professional hockey and signed with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.
He spent several seasons playing professionally before transitioning into coaching.
On August 11, 2026, the Wheeling Nailers appointed Peter Laviolette III as an assistant coach.
The appointment was particularly meaningful because his father began his own head-coaching career with the same organization during the 1997–98 season.
In an August 2026 NHL.com interview, Peter III described his excitement about following his father’s coaching path.
Peter III is also married to Lindsey Laviolette. The couple married in 2026 and welcomed a daughter named Leah on July 19, 2026.
Leah’s birth made Peter Laviolette a grandfather.
2. Jack Laviolette – Peter Laviolette’s Younger Son
Jack Laviolette is the second son of Peter and Kristen Laviolette. He was born in May 1999.
Like his older brother, Jack developed a passion for ice hockey during childhood.
He played competitive hockey and later represented Florida Gulf Coast University in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
Jack competed in Division II college hockey while pursuing his education.
His participation in the sport reflects the strong influence hockey has had on the Laviolette family.
Boston College’s official athletics biography for his sister Elisabeth also confirms that Jack played collegiate hockey at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Although Jack has generally maintained a more private public profile than his father, he remains connected to the family’s sporting background.
3. Elisabeth Laviolette – Peter Laviolette’s Daughter
Elisabeth Rose Laviolette is the daughter of Peter and Kristen Laviolette.
Unlike her brothers, who pursued ice hockey, Elisabeth developed her athletic career in softball.
She attended Brentwood High School in Tennessee, where she played as an outfielder and first baseman.
During her high school career, Elisabeth received several athletic honors and helped her team compete successfully in district and regional championships.
She later attended Boston College, where she represented the Boston College Eagles women’s softball team.
Elisabeth played college softball from 2021 through 2024 and was recognized for both her athletic achievements and academic performance.
In 2024, she was named to the NFCA All-Academic Team and the All-ACC Academic Team.
According to her official Boston College athletics biography, Elisabeth studied biology and served as vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Her accomplishments demonstrate that the Laviolette family’s sporting interests extend beyond ice hockey.
Peter Laviolette’s Parents
Peter Laviolette was raised in Franklin, Massachusetts, by his parents, Peter Laviolette Sr. and Helen Laviolette.
His family had strong connections to the local community, including a family-owned business that operated in Franklin for decades.
Peter Laviolette’s Father: Peter Laviolette Sr.
Peter Laviolette’s father is Peter Laviolette Sr., an American businessman and United States Army veteran.
According to the family-owned Laviolette Garage Doors business, Peter Sr. served in the United States military from 1957 to 1959 before spending additional years in the Army Reserve.
After his military service, he worked in the construction industry and joined the Boston Carpenters Union.
His work introduced him to garage door installation and repair, which eventually became the foundation of his own business.
In 1977, he established Laviolette Garage Doors in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Peter Sr. developed the company into a family-operated business, with his wife Helen assisting in its administration.
He also helped operate a family grocery store in Franklin with his brother Joe.
Peter Sr. retired from the garage door business in 1999, after which the company continued operating under other family members.
The business remains connected to the Laviolette family through subsequent generations.
Although Peter Laviolette Sr. did not pursue the same professional hockey career as his son, his involvement in the local community and family business formed part of the environment in which the future NHL coach grew up.
Peter Laviolette’s Mother: Helen Laviolette
Peter Laviolette’s mother is Helen Laviolette.
Helen helped her husband establish and operate the family’s garage door business in Franklin, Massachusetts.
According to the company’s official history, she handled bookkeeping and administrative responsibilities during the business’s early years.
Helen has also appeared in media coverage involving her son’s personal life and coaching career.
In April 2012, The Philadelphia Inquirer referenced Helen while recounting the unusual circumstances surrounding Peter and Kristen’s wedding in 1996.
Although detailed public information about Helen’s childhood and professional life is limited, her involvement in the family business demonstrates her contribution to the family’s long-standing community connections.
Peter Laviolette’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Peter Laviolette has two publicly reported sisters, Lauren Green and Leslie McInnis.
Both were identified in biographical coverage of the NHL coach, including reports describing their support during his international hockey career.
1. Lauren Green – Peter Laviolette’s Sister
Lauren Green is one of Peter Laviolette’s sisters.
She has maintained connections to the family’s hometown of Franklin, Massachusetts.
Lauren is married to Wayne Green, who became involved in the Laviolette family’s garage door business.
According to the company’s official history, Wayne worked alongside Peter Laviolette Sr. before purchasing the business when Peter Sr. retired in 1999.
Wayne and Lauren’s son, Michael Green, later joined the company and assumed leadership of its operations in 2023.
This family connection has helped preserve the business established by Peter Laviolette Sr. in 1977.
Lauren has also been identified in biographical reporting as a supporter of her brother’s hockey career.
2. Leslie McInnis – Peter Laviolette’s Sister
Leslie McInnis is another publicly reported sister of Peter Laviolette.
She has been identified in biographical profiles of the NHL coach as one of the family members who supported his international hockey involvement.
According to a 2022 biography published by BiographySet, Leslie and Lauren supported Peter during his involvement with the United States national hockey team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Unlike her brother, whose professional career has attracted extensive media coverage, Leslie maintains a relatively private public profile.
Further details about her professional career and personal activities have not been extensively documented in reliable public sports sources.
Peter Laviolette’s Family Background and Childhood
Peter Laviolette grew up in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he developed an early interest in ice hockey.
He attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1982 before continuing his education at Westfield State University.
At Westfield State, Laviolette played college hockey as a defenseman.
His performances eventually helped him pursue a professional playing career.
He represented the United States at the 1988 and 1994 Winter Olympics and appeared in 12 NHL games with the New York Rangers during the 1988–89 season.
After retiring from professional hockey, he transitioned into coaching.
His first professional head-coaching position came with the Wheeling Nailers during the 1997–98 season.
He subsequently coached the Providence Bruins, winning the Calder Cup in 1999.
In 2001, he became head coach of the New York Islanders, beginning a lengthy career as an NHL head coach.
He later coached the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings.
His most significant achievement came in 2006 when he guided the Carolina Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup championship.
Throughout his career, Laviolette has frequently emphasized the importance of creating a family-oriented environment within his teams.
Former players have also described how his wife and children became familiar faces around hockey organizations, helping build strong relationships between coaches, players, and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Laviolette’s Family
Who is Peter Laviolette’s wife?
Peter Laviolette is married to Kristen Laviolette. The couple married in June 1996 in Norfolk, Massachusetts, and have three children together.
Does Peter Laviolette have a girlfriend?
No girlfriend has been publicly identified. Peter Laviolette is married to his longtime wife, Kristen Laviolette.
How many children does Peter Laviolette have?
Peter Laviolette has three children: two sons named Peter Laviolette III and Jack Laviolette, and a daughter named Elisabeth Laviolette.
Who is Peter Laviolette’s eldest son?
His eldest son is Peter Laviolette III, a former professional hockey player who became an assistant coach with the Wheeling Nailers in August 2026.
Who is Peter Laviolette’s daughter?
His daughter is Elisabeth Laviolette, a former Boston College softball player who earned academic and athletic honors during her collegiate career.
Who is Peter Laviolette’s father?
His father is Peter Laviolette Sr., a United States Army veteran and businessman who founded Laviolette Garage Doors in Franklin, Massachusetts, in 1977.
Who is Peter Laviolette’s mother?
His mother is Helen Laviolette, who helped operate the family’s garage door business and supported the family throughout Peter’s upbringing.
Does Peter Laviolette have siblings?
Yes. Biographical reports identify two sisters, Lauren Green and Leslie McInnis.
Is Peter Laviolette a grandfather?
Yes. Peter Laviolette became a grandfather when his eldest son, Peter Laviolette III, and his wife Lindsey welcomed their daughter Leah on July 19, 2026.
Where is Peter Laviolette’s family from?
Peter Laviolette’s family has longstanding connections to Franklin, Massachusetts, where he grew up and where his father established a family business.
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.
