Zeev Buium Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Bernald Sanders

Zeev Buium is an American professional ice hockey player who plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 7, 2005, in San Diego, California, Buium comes from a family with strong connections to Israel and competitive sports.

His parents are Sorin Buium and Miriam Buium, who immigrated from Israel to the United States in 1999. He also has two older brothers, Ben Buium and Shai Buium, both of whom played competitive ice hockey. Shai followed a similar career path to Zeev, becoming a professional defenseman in the Detroit Red Wings organization.

Although Buium has spoken openly about his parents, brothers, and family background, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships. Reliable information about a girlfriend, marriage, or children has not been publicly established.

Zeev Buium’s Girlfriend and Relationship Status

Who Is Zeev Buium’s Girlfriend?

Zeev Buium has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable, widely available sources.

The Vancouver Canucks defenseman has generally kept his dating life away from public attention.

Most of his interviews with NHL.com, The Hockey News, and other sports publications have focused on his hockey career, family background, Jewish heritage, and relationship with his brothers.

Although he has become increasingly recognizable following his move to Vancouver, he has not provided verified information identifying a current romantic partner.

Consequently, his relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed. This does not necessarily mean that he is single, only that reliable information about a girlfriend is unavailable.

Is Zeev Buium Married?

There is no verified public announcement confirming that Zeev Buium is married or engaged.

His official NHL profiles and major published interviews do not identify a wife or fiancée.

Until reliable information becomes available, it would be inaccurate to claim that Buium has married or to identify a spouse.

Does Zeev Buium Have Children?

There are no verified public reports confirming that Zeev Buium has children.

The American defenseman has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter through official NHL communications or established sports publications.

Although Buium frequently discusses his parents and siblings, these statements do not establish that he is a father.

For this reason, the names, ages, and birth dates of any potential children remain unconfirmed.

Zeev Buium’s Parents

Zeev Buium was born to Sorin Buium and Miriam Buium, two Israeli immigrants who moved to the United States in 1999.

His parents originally lived in Ashdod, a coastal city in southern Israel, before relocating to San Diego, California.

According to an NHL.com interview published in June 2024, the couple arrived in America with approximately $1,000, a suitcase of clothes, and limited English-language skills.

They gradually established a life in California, where they raised their three sons: Ben, Shai, and Zeev.

Although neither parent initially knew much about ice hockey, they eventually became deeply involved in supporting their children’s sporting ambitions.

Sorin Buium – Zeev Buium’s Father

Sorin Buium is Zeev Buium’s father. He has also been identified as Iuli or Iulian Buium in published family interviews.

Sorin was born and raised in Israel, where he developed an interest in sports, particularly soccer.

In 1999, he immigrated to the United States with his wife Miriam.

After settling in San Diego, the couple focused on raising their family and establishing themselves in a new country.

Sorin had little familiarity with ice hockey before his children became interested in the sport.

However, he gradually became involved in their development, helping them pursue opportunities with competitive youth hockey programs.

Sorin Buium’s Influence on His Sons’ Hockey Careers

Sorin played an important role in supporting the athletic ambitions of Ben, Shai, and Zeev.

When the boys began taking hockey seriously, the family faced difficult travel schedules and considerable financial commitments.

All three sons eventually participated in youth hockey programs associated with the Los Angeles Kings.

The training facilities were located a considerable distance from the family’s home in San Diego.

According to NHL.com, the family eventually relocated to Laguna Niguel, California, to reduce the commute and provide better opportunities for their children.

In interviews, Zeev has explained that his parents never forced their children to participate in hockey.

Instead, the boys were determined to play, often encouraging their parents to take them to practices and games.

Sorin supported that determination while emphasizing the importance of discipline, responsibility, and hard work.

Sorin Buium’s Support During Zeev’s NHL Career

Sorin has continued supporting his son’s hockey ambitions into the professional ranks.

In June 2024, he attended the NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas with several members of the family.

During the event, the Minnesota Wild selected Zeev with the 12th overall pick.

The achievement represented the culmination of years of sacrifice and commitment by both parents.

Sorin was also among the family members who attended Zeev’s NHL debut for Minnesota during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After Zeev was traded to Vancouver in December 2025, he continued discussing his parents during media interviews.

He explained that his father’s work commitments sometimes prevented him from traveling immediately to games, although his parents remained enthusiastic supporters.

Miriam Buium – Zeev Buium’s Mother

Miriam Buium, also known as Miri Buium, is Zeev Buium’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.

She was born and raised in Israel and developed a strong interest in competitive sports during her youth.

Before immigrating to the United States, Miriam played professional basketball in Israel’s top women’s division.

She also worked as a general manager in basketball.

Her experience as a professional athlete helped her understand the dedication required to succeed in competitive sports.

Although she initially knew very little about ice hockey, she eventually became one of her sons’ most committed supporters.

Miriam Buium’s Professional Basketball Background

Before becoming widely known as the mother of two NHL prospects, Miriam had her own athletic career.

She competed professionally in women’s basketball in Israel.

According to reporting by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, she later became involved in basketball management.

Her experience gave her an understanding of training schedules, athletic discipline, and the sacrifices associated with competitive sports.

However, when her sons first expressed interest in hockey, she was hesitant because she was unfamiliar with the sport and concerned about injuries.

After watching a relative compete in a youth hockey tournament, she gradually developed a better understanding of the game.

She eventually agreed to let her sons pursue hockey and became heavily involved in their training schedules.

Miriam Buium’s Sacrifices for Her Children

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Buium family’s story involves the extensive travel Miriam undertook to support her sons.

When Ben, Shai, and Zeev joined a youth hockey development program in the Los Angeles area, the family was still living in San Diego.

According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Miriam drove approximately 112 miles each way to take the boys to practices.

She sometimes made the journey three or four days per week.

The schedule required her to manage school responsibilities, meals, homework, and hockey training throughout long days.

At times, the family spent several hours traveling between home and the rink.

Eventually, the demanding commute encouraged the family to move closer to Los Angeles.

In a 2024 interview, Miriam explained that her own experience as an athlete helped her understand the sacrifices necessary to pursue sporting success.

She wanted her sons to have opportunities to develop their abilities while learning the importance of hard work.

Miriam Buium’s Relationship With Zeev

Zeev has repeatedly expressed gratitude for his mother’s dedication throughout his childhood.

In interviews with The Hockey News and NHL.com, he has credited both parents with teaching him important lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and maintaining a strong work ethic.

He has particularly praised Miriam for consistently supporting her children despite the demanding travel schedules associated with youth hockey.

During the 2024 NHL Draft, Miriam attended alongside other relatives to celebrate Zeev’s selection by Minnesota.

She also supported him when he made his NHL debut during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Her professional sporting background and commitment to her children remain important parts of Zeev’s family story.

Zeev Buium’s Siblings

Zeev Buium has two older brothers: Ben Buium and Shai Buium.

All three brothers developed an interest in ice hockey while growing up in California.

Although Ben eventually pursued other opportunities, Shai and Zeev continued into professional hockey.

Shai Buium – Zeev Buium’s Older Brother

Shai Buium is Zeev Buium’s older brother and a professional ice hockey defenseman.

He was born on March 26, 2003, in San Diego, California.

Shai developed his hockey skills through youth programs in California before attending Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota.

He later played for the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League.

The Detroit Red Wings selected Shai in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

He subsequently joined the University of Denver, where he played college hockey before turning professional.

Shai signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit in April 2024 and continued developing within the Red Wings organization.

How Shai Buium Introduced Zeev to Hockey

Shai played an important role in introducing his younger brother to ice hockey.

According to NHL.com, Shai became interested in the sport after watching a cousin who participated in youth hockey.

He began attending early-morning practices to watch his cousin play and eventually convinced his parents to let him try the sport.

Ben also started playing, and Zeev soon wanted to participate.

Initially, Zeev did not enjoy skating on ice.

He spent approximately two months playing roller hockey before returning to ice hockey and developing a passion for the game.

Growing up, the three brothers frequently played street hockey and practiced together in their basement.

These experiences helped Zeev develop creativity, puck-handling skills, and a competitive personality.

Zeev and Shai Buium’s NCAA Championship

One of the most memorable moments in the brothers’ hockey careers occurred in April 2024.

Both Zeev and Shai represented the University of Denver during the 2023–24 NCAA hockey season.

They helped the Pioneers win the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey national championship on April 13, 2024.

Denver defeated Boston College 2–0 in the championship game.

Both brothers contributed assists during the victory.

The achievement was particularly meaningful because it allowed them to win a national championship while playing together.

Shai subsequently signed with the Detroit Red Wings organization, while Zeev remained at Denver for another college season.

They have continued pursuing professional hockey careers with different NHL organizations.

Ben Buium – Zeev Buium’s Oldest Brother

Ben Buium is Zeev Buium’s oldest brother.

Like Shai and Zeev, Ben grew up playing ice hockey in California.

He attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota, a well-known hockey development institution.

Ben also represented the United States in hockey at the 2017 Maccabiah Games in Israel.

According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, he was part of the American team that won the gold medal.

Although Ben demonstrated considerable hockey ability during his younger years, he did not pursue the sport professionally.

In April 2024, College Hockey News reported that Ben was living in Israel.

Reliable information about his subsequent professional activities and personal relationships remains limited.

The Relationship Between Ben, Shai, and Zeev Buium

The three Buium brothers share a close relationship built around their childhood experiences and mutual passion for hockey.

They spent years attending practices together, traveling across California, and competing in informal games at home.

Because Ben and Shai were older, Zeev frequently tried to match their abilities and compete against them.

Those experiences helped him develop his confidence and determination.

The brothers have also maintained strong connections to their extended family in Israel.

During the 2024 NHL Draft, relatives traveled from Israel to Las Vegas to celebrate Zeev’s selection.

The family gathering represented an important milestone for parents who had sacrificed considerable time and resources to support their children’s ambitions.

Zeev Buium’s Israeli Family Background

Zeev Buium was born and raised in California, but his parents originally came from Ashdod, Israel.

His family maintains close connections with relatives in Israel and has regularly visited the country.

In interviews with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Zeev has spoken openly about his Jewish identity and the influence of his Israeli upbringing.

He has explained that his parents emphasized the importance of family, education, discipline, and maintaining connections to their heritage.

During his childhood, the family celebrated Jewish holidays and maintained cultural traditions.

Zeev also wears a tattoo featuring Hebrew calendar dates commemorating major hockey championships.

The dates recognize his achievements at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, the 2024 World Junior Championship, and the 2024 NCAA national championship.

The tattoo reflects his appreciation for both his sporting accomplishments and his family’s heritage.

Zeev Buium’s Childhood and Hockey Development

Zeev Buium grew up in San Diego, California, before his family moved closer to Los Angeles to support the brothers’ hockey development.

He developed through competitive youth hockey programs and later attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota.

From 2021 to 2023, he represented the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

In 2023, he helped the United States win gold at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

He subsequently joined the University of Denver, where he became one of the most productive freshman defensemen in NCAA hockey.

During the 2023–24 season, he recorded 50 points in 42 games and helped Denver win the national championship alongside Shai.

He also won gold with the United States at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

The Minnesota Wild selected Buium in the first round, 12th overall, of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

After another successful college season, he signed his first NHL contract in April 2025.

He made his NHL debut during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

On December 12, 2025, the Vancouver Canucks acquired Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, and a first-round draft pick from Minnesota in exchange for Quinn Hughes.

On September 4, 2026, Vancouver signed Buium to an eight-year, $75.04 million contract extension beginning with the 2027–28 season.

His professional success reflects years of development supported by his parents and two older brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zeev Buium’s Family

Who is Zeev Buium’s girlfriend?

Zeev Buium has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend through reliable sports reporting. His romantic relationship status remains private.

Is Zeev Buium married?

There is no verified public announcement confirming that Zeev Buium is married or engaged.

Does Zeev Buium have children?

There are no reliable public reports confirming that Zeev Buium has children.

Who is Zeev Buium’s father?

His father is Sorin Buium, also called Iuli, who immigrated from Israel to the United States with his wife Miriam in 1999.

Who is Zeev Buium’s mother?

His mother is Miriam Buium, a former professional basketball player in Israel who later became involved in basketball management.

How many siblings does Zeev Buium have?

Zeev Buium has two older brothers named Ben Buium and Shai Buium.

Who is Zeev Buium’s brother who plays hockey?

His brother Shai Buium is a professional ice hockey defenseman who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2021. Both brothers played together at the University of Denver.

Who is Zeev Buium’s oldest brother?

His oldest brother is Ben Buium, who played competitive hockey during his youth and represented the United States at the 2017 Maccabiah Games.

Are Zeev Buium and Shai Buium related?

Yes. Zeev and Shai Buium are brothers. They played together at the University of Denver and helped the team win the 2024 NCAA national championship.

Where are Zeev Buium’s parents from?

His parents originally came from Ashdod, Israel, and immigrated to San Diego, California, in 1999.

Where did Zeev Buium grow up?

Zeev Buium grew up in Southern California, primarily in San Diego and later the Laguna Niguel area, before moving to Minnesota for hockey development.