Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Sheldon Keefe is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former NHL player who serves as head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Born on September 17, 1980, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, he comes from a close-knit family with roots in Prince Edward Island.
Keefe is married to Jackie Keefe, and the couple has two sons, Landon and Wyatt. His parents are Brian and Roberta Keefe, while his siblings are an older sister, Lisa Keefe, and a younger brother, Adam Keefe, who is also a professional hockey coach.
Family has played an important role throughout Keefe’s career, particularly during his transition from professional player to coach and his moves between Canadian hockey organizations and the New Jersey Devils.
Sheldon Keefe’s Wife: Who Is Jackie Keefe?
Sheldon Keefe is married to Jackie Keefe, who has supported him throughout much of his professional coaching career.
Jackie is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, in the United States.
Although she maintains a relatively private personal life, her importance to Keefe’s career has been documented in interviews with the New Jersey Devils and other hockey publications.
In May 2024, Keefe explained that Jackie had supported him from the beginning of his coaching career, including his decision to move to the small Ontario community of Pembroke.
She subsequently accompanied him through several career transitions, including his time with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Toronto Marlies, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jackie also helped him make one of the most important decisions of his coaching career: accepting the New Jersey Devils’ head coaching position in May 2024.
When Did Sheldon Keefe Marry Jackie?
Sheldon Keefe and Jackie married while living in Pembroke, Ontario, where he was developing his coaching career.
According to an official Algonquin College publication released on May 8, 2021, the couple married and welcomed both sons during their years in Pembroke.
Several secondary biographies identify Jackie’s maiden name as Jackie Falen and report that the couple married on June 28, 2008, in Arizona.
However, the exact wedding date and location have not been independently established through the primary hockey and educational sources reviewed for this biography.
What is confirmed is that their marriage began before Keefe became an NHL head coach and that Jackie has supported his coaching career for many years.
How Jackie Keefe Supported Her Husband’s Coaching Career
Jackie played a particularly important role when Sheldon decided to continue coaching after leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs in May 2024.
Following his dismissal, Keefe initially intended to spend time with his family before deciding on his next professional opportunity.
However, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald contacted him about becoming the organization’s next head coach.
During his introductory press conference on May 28, 2024, Keefe credited Jackie with encouraging him to take the opportunity seriously.
He explained that his wife reminded him how much he enjoyed coaching and encouraged him to explore the possibility of joining New Jersey.
Her advice gave him the confidence to begin discussions with Fitzgerald.
The Devils eventually announced his appointment on May 23, 2024.
During the introductory press conference, Fitzgerald publicly thanked Jackie and the couple’s two sons for supporting Keefe’s decision.
Jackie Keefe’s Life in Toronto
Jackie and Sheldon spent approximately nine years raising their family in the Greater Toronto Area while he coached the Toronto Marlies and Maple Leafs.
The family established a home in Oakville, Ontario, a community west of Toronto.
During those years, Jackie developed friendships and a support network while their sons attended school and participated in youth sports.
When Sheldon accepted the Devils’ coaching position, the couple decided it would be better for Jackie and their sons to remain in Ontario.
The arrangement allowed the children to continue their education, friendships, and competitive sports without relocating to another country.
In a January 2025 interview, Keefe explained that his wife’s stability and the family’s established relationships were important considerations.
Although they spent portions of the hockey season in different locations, they remained closely connected through visits and family activities.
Sheldon Keefe’s Children
Sheldon Keefe and his wife, Jackie, have two sons named Landon Keefe and Wyatt Keefe.
Their names are confirmed in official New Jersey Devils publications, including the organization’s May 2024 announcement introducing Sheldon as head coach.
Both sons were born during the family’s years in Pembroke, Ontario, and subsequently grew up primarily in the Toronto area.
Older Son: Landon Keefe
Landon Keefe is Sheldon and Jackie Keefe’s older son.
Published biographical accounts place his birth around 2010, consistent with the family’s comments about their children’s ages in 2024 and 2025.
Landon grew up surrounded by hockey because of his father’s professional coaching responsibilities.
He developed an interest in competitive sports, including ice hockey and lacrosse.
In an August 2024 question-and-answer session with New Jersey Devils supporters, Sheldon explained that both sons were heavily involved in those sports.
Their activities included practices, games, tournaments, and travel throughout Ontario and neighboring regions.
Keefe described attending his children’s sporting events as one of his favorite activities outside professional coaching.
Landon also attended the May 2024 press conference introducing his father as the Devils’ new head coach.
Although he has participated in youth sports, his parents have generally kept additional details about his personal life private.
Younger Son: Wyatt Keefe
Wyatt Keefe is Sheldon and Jackie’s younger son.
Published biographical reports place his birth around 2012.
Like his older brother, Wyatt developed a strong interest in hockey and lacrosse while growing up in Ontario.
His sporting activities have occasionally required the family to travel to tournaments outside Canada.
In January 2025, Sheldon discussed using one of his days off from the Devils to attend his son’s hockey tournament in Michigan.
He subsequently traveled back through Toronto before returning to New Jersey for his coaching responsibilities.
The experience demonstrated his commitment to remaining involved in his children’s lives despite the demanding NHL schedule.
Wyatt also attended his father’s introductory press conference with the New Jersey Devils in May 2024.
Does Sheldon Keefe Have a Daughter?
There is no publicly confirmed daughter in Sheldon Keefe’s family.
Official New Jersey Devils biographies consistently identify two sons, Landon and Wyatt.
No reliable reports have established that Sheldon and Jackie have additional children.
How Sheldon Keefe Balances Coaching and Fatherhood
Keefe has repeatedly acknowledged that balancing professional coaching with parenting is challenging.
In a January 17, 2025, interview with the New Jersey Devils, he discussed the difficulty of spending significant portions of the season away from his wife and children.
He explained that coaching an NHL team requires long working hours, frequent travel, and considerable preparation.
However, he tries to make family time a priority whenever his schedule allows.
His sons have visited New Jersey during the hockey season, while he has regularly traveled to Ontario during days off.
In a May 2025 interview with Daily Faceoff, Keefe explained that the family had been fortunate to spend approximately nine years living in the Toronto area.
He believed maintaining that stability was more important than immediately relocating everyone when he accepted the Devils’ position.
The arrangement reflects his commitment to supporting his children’s education, friendships, and athletic development.
Sheldon Keefe’s Parents
Sheldon Keefe’s parents are Brian Keefe and Roberta Keefe, who is also known as Bertie.
Both parents have family roots in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
They eventually settled in Brampton, Ontario, where they raised three children: Lisa, Sheldon, and Adam.
The family’s connections to Prince Edward Island have been documented by the regional hockey history website PEI Pucks.
Father: Brian Keefe
Sheldon Keefe’s father is Brian Keefe, who grew up in the Tignish area of Prince Edward Island.
According to published biographical accounts, Brian moved to Brampton after completing his education.
He worked at a cold-storage facility, performing physically demanding duties involving the loading and unloading of trucks.
Brian was also an enthusiastic hockey supporter.
Unlike his son, who eventually coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brian supported the Montreal Canadiens.
In a March 2021 interview, Sheldon recalled that his father’s loyalty to Montreal created friendly sporting rivalries within the family.
Sheldon himself had supported different NHL teams during childhood, particularly those featuring players he admired.
Brian Keefe’s Influence on His Sons
Brian encouraged Sheldon and Adam to participate in hockey during childhood.
Both brothers developed an enthusiasm for the sport and eventually pursued professional playing careers.
Although neither brother became a long-term NHL star as a player, both ultimately established successful careers in professional coaching.
Brian remained an important family connection after Sheldon moved away from Brampton to pursue hockey opportunities.
In a 2015 interview with Vice, Sheldon explained that being able to work closer to his parents was one of the benefits of joining the Toronto Marlies.
In later interviews, he continued discussing the importance of remaining connected to the Greater Toronto Area, where his parents lived.
Mother: Roberta Keefe
Sheldon Keefe’s mother is Roberta Keefe, commonly known as Bertie Keefe.
She also comes from Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
Regional family-history records identify her as Roberta Arsenault before her marriage to Brian Keefe.
According to published biographical reports, Roberta worked in childcare while raising her family in Brampton.
She supported the sporting ambitions of her children and remained part of their lives as they pursued professional opportunities.
In June 2015, Sheldon publicly celebrated having his parents and siblings attend an Ontario Hockey League awards ceremony.
The event was particularly meaningful because he had received recognition for his coaching achievements with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Although Roberta has generally maintained a private personal life, her support has been an important part of the family’s sporting story.
Sheldon Keefe’s Siblings
Sheldon Keefe is the middle child of three siblings.
His older sister is Lisa Keefe, while his younger brother is Adam Keefe.
Of the two, Adam has received significantly more public attention because of his professional hockey career.
Older Sister: Lisa Keefe
Lisa Keefe is Sheldon Keefe’s older sister.
She grew up alongside Sheldon and Adam in Brampton, Ontario.
According to family biographical accounts, Lisa is the eldest of Brian and Roberta Keefe’s three children.
Although Lisa has not pursued a widely documented professional hockey career, she has remained connected to her brothers’ achievements.
In June 2015, Sheldon shared a public message celebrating the attendance of his wife, parents, brother, and sister at the Ontario Hockey League awards ceremony.
The occasion highlighted the family’s pride in his coaching success.
Lisa has maintained a relatively private life, and reliable public sources provide limited information about her profession, marriage, or children.
Younger Brother: Adam Keefe
Adam Keefe is Sheldon Keefe’s younger brother and a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who became head coach of the Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland.
Born on April 26, 1984, Adam is approximately four years younger than Sheldon.
Both brothers grew up in Brampton and developed a strong interest in competitive hockey.
While Sheldon eventually reached the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Adam followed a different professional playing path.
Adam competed in junior hockey before joining professional teams in North America and Europe.
He eventually established himself with the Belfast Giants, becoming an important player and team leader.
After retiring from playing, Adam became the Giants’ head coach in 2017.
He subsequently led the organization to multiple championships in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
Sheldon and Adam Keefe’s Relationship
Sheldon and Adam share a particularly meaningful relationship because both eventually became professional hockey coaches.
However, they spent relatively little time together during the early stages of their playing careers.
In a July 2025 interview with the New Jersey Devils, Sheldon explained that he left home at approximately 16 years old to pursue hockey while Adam was only 12.
By the time Adam began playing junior hockey, Sheldon had moved into professional hockey.
When Adam started his professional career, Sheldon was beginning his coaching journey.
As a result, they frequently found themselves living in different places.
Despite the distance, Sheldon remained proud of his brother’s achievements.
Adam has also credited Sheldon with providing valuable coaching advice.
In an interview published by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, Adam explained that Sheldon was one of the first people he contacted when he became head coach of Belfast.
The brothers discussed leadership, recruiting players, and building competitive teams.
Sheldon Keefe Celebrates Adam’s Jersey Retirement
In June 2025, Sheldon traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to celebrate an important milestone in his brother’s hockey career.
The Belfast Giants retired Adam’s No. 47 jersey during a special celebration at SSE Arena.
According to a July 11, 2025, New Jersey Devils feature, Sheldon attended the ceremony and participated in events honoring Adam’s contributions to the organization.
The occasion was particularly meaningful because it was Sheldon’s first visit to Northern Ireland.
He expressed pride in seeing how much the Belfast community respected and appreciated his younger brother.
Adam also established a family in Belfast, marrying a local woman and welcoming two daughters.
The brothers’ reunion gave Sheldon an opportunity to celebrate Adam’s personal and professional achievements.
Sheldon Keefe’s Family Roots in Prince Edward Island
Although Sheldon Keefe was born and raised in Brampton, his family has strong historical connections to Prince Edward Island.
His parents originally came from Tignish, a community in the western part of the province.
According to PEI Pucks, numerous Keefe relatives have lived in the Tignish area.
Regional hockey records also identify former University of Prince Edward Island player Jordan Knox as a cousin of Sheldon and Adam Keefe.
The family’s roots in Prince Edward Island remain part of their broader Canadian sporting history.
Sheldon Keefe’s Childhood and Hockey Career
Sheldon Keefe was born on September 17, 1980, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
He grew up in a working-class household alongside his older sister, Lisa, and younger brother, Adam.
His passion for ice hockey developed during childhood, and he eventually progressed through competitive junior hockey programs.
Keefe played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors and Barrie Colts.
He became one of the league’s leading offensive players, recording 121 points during the 1999–2000 season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning selected him in the second round, 47th overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently appeared in 125 NHL regular-season games for Tampa Bay.
After his playing career ended, Keefe began pursuing coaching opportunities.
He became involved with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, eventually serving as head coach and general manager.
Under his leadership, Pembroke won five consecutive league championships and captured the 2011 RBC Cup national championship.
He later coached the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League.
His achievements earned him recognition as one of junior hockey’s most promising coaches.
In 2015, Keefe became head coach of the Toronto Marlies, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He led the Marlies to the Calder Cup championship in 2018.
In November 2019, Toronto promoted him to head coach of the Maple Leafs.
He remained in the position until May 2024, when the organization decided to make a coaching change.
Later that month, Keefe accepted the New Jersey Devils’ head coaching position.
Throughout his coaching career, he has repeatedly emphasized that the support of Jackie, their sons, and his extended family has contributed to his professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon Keefe’s Family
Who is Sheldon Keefe’s wife?
Sheldon Keefe’s wife is Jackie Keefe, originally from Scottsdale, Arizona. She has supported him throughout his coaching career and helped him decide to accept the New Jersey Devils’ head coaching position.
Is Sheldon Keefe married?
Yes. Sheldon Keefe is married to Jackie Keefe. The couple married during the years they lived in Pembroke, Ontario.
When did Sheldon Keefe get married?
Secondary biographies report that Sheldon and Jackie married on June 28, 2008, in Arizona. Official Algonquin College reporting confirms they married while living in Pembroke, but does not specify the exact wedding date.
Does Sheldon Keefe have children?
Yes. Sheldon Keefe and his wife, Jackie, have two sons named Landon and Wyatt.
Who are Sheldon Keefe’s sons?
His sons are Landon Keefe and Wyatt Keefe. Both participate in competitive hockey and lacrosse in Ontario.
Does Sheldon Keefe have a daughter?
No daughter has been publicly confirmed. Official New Jersey Devils publications identify two sons.
Who are Sheldon Keefe’s parents?
His parents are Brian and Roberta Keefe, who originally came from Tignish, Prince Edward Island, before settling in Brampton, Ontario.
Who is Sheldon Keefe’s father?
His father is Brian Keefe, who worked at a cold-storage facility and supported the Montreal Canadiens during Sheldon’s childhood.
Who is Sheldon Keefe’s mother?
His mother is Roberta Keefe, also known as Bertie, who has been described in published biographies as having worked in childcare.
How many siblings does Sheldon Keefe have?
Sheldon Keefe has two siblings: an older sister named Lisa and a younger brother named Adam.
Who is Sheldon Keefe’s sister?
His older sister is Lisa Keefe, who grew up with Sheldon and Adam in Brampton, Ontario. She maintains a relatively private personal life.
Who is Sheldon Keefe’s brother?
His younger brother is Adam Keefe, a former professional hockey player who became head coach of the Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland.
Are Sheldon Keefe and Adam Keefe related?
Yes. Sheldon and Adam Keefe are biological brothers. Both pursued professional hockey careers before becoming successful coaches.
Where does Sheldon Keefe’s family live?
In 2024 and 2025, Sheldon explained that Jackie and their sons continued living in Oakville, Ontario, while he worked in New Jersey. The family maintained contact through visits, although their subsequent residential arrangements have not been independently confirmed.
What NHL team does Sheldon Keefe coach?
Sheldon Keefe is the head coach of the New Jersey Devils, a position he accepted in May 2024.
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.
