Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Ryan Craig is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who serves as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 6, 1982, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Craig has built a successful career as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
Beyond his achievements in hockey, Craig is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Jaydee Craig, a former figure skater from Manitoba, and the couple has three children: a son named Carson and two daughters named Kylie and Camryn.
Craig grew up in a supportive Canadian family that encouraged his interest in hockey. His parents played important roles in his development, while his younger brother, Jarrett Craig, also pursued competitive hockey and later became a coach.
In June 2026, Craig was appointed head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. During his introductory press conference, he became emotional while thanking his wife, children and extended family for supporting his journey.
Ryan Craig’s Wife: Who Is Jaydee Craig?
Ryan Craig is married to Jaydee Craig, his longtime partner and the mother of their three children.
Jaydee grew up in Manitoba, Canada, and participated in competitive figure skating during her younger years. Her background in skating meant that she was familiar with the demands of competitive sports before meeting Ryan.
The couple developed their relationship during Craig’s years with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League.
They subsequently built a family together while Ryan played professional hockey in several North American cities.
Jaydee has supported him through his playing career, retirement, transition into coaching and eventual appointment as an NHL head coach.
How Did Ryan Craig Meet His Wife?
Ryan Craig met Jaydee while he was living in Brandon, Manitoba, during his junior hockey career with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Craig moved from Abbotsford, British Columbia, to Brandon as a teenager after being selected in the 1997 Western Hockey League Draft.
During his five seasons with the Wheat Kings, he developed strong connections with the city and its residents.
In a May 2022 interview with the Brandon Sun, Craig recalled that Brandon had become an important place in his life because he met Jaydee and her family there.
Although their exact first meeting has not been extensively documented, the relationship began during the period when Craig was developing into one of the Wheat Kings’ leading players.
The couple continued their relationship after Ryan began his professional hockey career.
When Did Ryan Craig and Jaydee Get Engaged?
Ryan Craig and Jaydee became engaged on Valentine’s Day, approximately two years after he completed his junior hockey career.
In a March 2017 interview with Northeast Ohio Parent, the couple explained that they had become engaged approximately 12 years earlier.
That places their engagement around February 14, 2005.
Although the engagement’s timing is documented, their exact wedding date and ceremony location have not been reliably established in the principal public sources reviewed.
By the time Ryan joined the Vegas Golden Knights organization in 2017, they were already married and raising three children.
What Does Ryan Craig’s Wife Do?
Jaydee Craig is a former figure skater who grew up in Manitoba.
Her skating background was confirmed during a joint interview with Ryan published by Northeast Ohio Parent in March 2017.
Although she has maintained a relatively private professional life, Jaydee has been actively involved in raising their children and supporting her husband’s hockey career.
During Ryan’s playing years, the family lived in different cities as he represented several NHL and American Hockey League organizations.
Jaydee helped the children adapt to new communities, schools and family routines.
In the 2017 interview, she explained that the family had learned to appreciate something special about every city where they lived.
Her current professional occupation has not been reliably documented in major public sources.
Jaydee Craig’s Support During Ryan’s Coaching Career
Jaydee has remained an important source of support throughout her husband’s transition from player to coach.
After retiring from professional hockey in 2017, Craig accepted an assistant coaching position with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The family relocated to Las Vegas and established a home in the area.
When Ryan became head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights in 2023, the move was particularly convenient because the family did not need to relocate again.
In an interview with the American Hockey League, Craig explained that remaining in the Las Vegas area made the coaching transition easier for Jaydee and their children.
The family’s stability became particularly important as the children grew older.
When Craig was promoted to head coach of the Golden Knights in June 2026, he publicly thanked Jaydee for the sacrifices she had made throughout his career.
Ryan Craig’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Ryan Craig and his wife, Jaydee, have three children: Carson Craig, Kylie Craig and Camryn Craig.
Their names are confirmed in an official Vegas Golden Knights announcement published in June 2017.
The couple has one son and two daughters.
According to a 2026 interview published by the Tampa Bay Lightning, their two oldest children were born in Tampa, Florida, during Ryan’s time with the organization.
Carson Craig – Ryan Craig’s Son
Carson Craig is the oldest child and only son of Ryan and Jaydee Craig.
He was approximately nine years old when his parents participated in an interview with Northeast Ohio Parent in March 2017.
Like his father, Carson developed an interest in ice hockey during childhood.
During the family’s time in Ohio, he played youth hockey, and Ryan occasionally helped coach his team.
Craig explained that being involved in his son’s development was an enjoyable experience because it allowed them to share their interest in the sport.
However, Ryan also emphasized that raising good people was more important than developing professional athletes.
He and Jaydee wanted their children to enjoy sports while learning about teamwork, responsibility and respect.
Although Carson played organized youth hockey, his later sporting activities and personal life have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Kylie Craig – Ryan Craig’s Older Daughter
Kylie Craig is Ryan and Jaydee’s older daughter and their second child.
She was approximately seven years old in March 2017, according to the family’s interview with Northeast Ohio Parent.
During the family’s time in Ohio, Kylie participated in gymnastics.
Her parents encouraged her to pursue activities that interested her rather than insist that every member of the family play hockey.
Ryan explained that he enjoyed seeing each of his children develop their own interests and personalities.
Kylie also participated in family activities and attended hockey games with her siblings.
Detailed information about her later education, occupation and personal activities has not been widely disclosed.
Camryn Craig – Ryan Craig’s Youngest Daughter
Camryn Craig is the youngest of Ryan and Jaydee Craig’s three children.
She was approximately three years old in March 2017, according to Northeast Ohio Parent and the Golden Knights’ official coaching announcement.
Her name is sometimes rendered as Cameron in secondary reporting, but the Vegas Golden Knights’ original 2017 announcement and contemporary family interviews use the spelling Camryn.
Camryn grew up during an important period of her father’s hockey career, as he transitioned from professional player to NHL assistant coach.
She was still young when the family relocated to Las Vegas in 2017.
Since then, the Craig family has established strong connections with the community.
Like her siblings, Camryn has generally remained outside extensive media coverage.
How Fatherhood Influenced Ryan Craig’s Life
Becoming a father changed how Ryan Craig approached both hockey and everyday life.
During his March 2017 interview with Northeast Ohio Parent, he explained that parenthood helped him recognize that family responsibilities were more important than individual sporting achievements.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that his children were healthy, happy and supported.
Craig also explained that returning home after a difficult game helped him put professional hockey into perspective.
His children were excited to see him regardless of the result on the ice.
The family frequently attended hockey games and participated in recreational activities together.
While living in Ohio, the Craigs enjoyed visiting parks, swimming pools and local attractions.
Ryan also appreciated watching his children spend time with other players’ families around the hockey organization.
Ryan Craig’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Ryan Craig was raised by his parents in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Although their full names have not been reliably established in the public sources reviewed, both parents played significant roles in his upbringing and professional development.
They encouraged Ryan and his younger brother Jarrett to participate in hockey and supported their progress through competitive youth programs.
Craig has repeatedly credited his parents with teaching him the importance of family, loyalty and hard work.
Ryan Craig’s Father
Ryan Craig’s father played hockey and helped introduce his sons to the sport.
During an interview published by Northeast Ohio Parent in 2017, Craig recalled that both his father and younger brother played hockey.
The family frequently organized activities around practices, tournaments and competitions.
These experiences helped Ryan develop a passion for the game while spending time with his relatives.
Although his father’s name and professional occupation have not been independently confirmed, his influence on Ryan’s upbringing is well documented.
Craig has also credited his parents with encouraging him to become a responsible person rather than focusing exclusively on sporting success.
Ryan Craig’s Mother’s Influence
Ryan Craig’s mother has also been an important influence throughout his life.
She grew up in Dauphin, Manitoba, giving the family a strong connection to the Canadian Prairies.
During a May 2022 interview with the Brandon Sun, Craig explained that his mother’s Manitoba background made the move to Brandon more familiar.
The family had previously traveled to Manitoba during summer vacations.
As a result, Ryan already knew something about the province before joining the Brandon Wheat Kings.
His mother also helped maintain family traditions, including preparing Ukrainian-style pierogies.
In a June 2026 interview with KTNV, Craig explained that both his mother and Jaydee made pierogies and that the family had Ukrainian heritage.
Ryan Craig’s Parents and His Hockey Values
When Craig was introduced as the Golden Knights’ head coach in June 2026, he became emotional while speaking about his family.
He later explained that his parents had taught him the importance of loyalty and putting other people first.
Those lessons influenced his approach to leadership, both as a professional player and as a coach.
Craig believes that successful teams depend on strong personal relationships and a shared commitment to helping one another.
He has applied those principles throughout his coaching career.
His parents’ influence is also reflected in the way Ryan and Jaydee have raised their own children.
Ryan Craig’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Ryan Craig has a younger brother named Jarrett Craig, who also played competitive ice hockey.
Their relationship is confirmed by Elite Prospects, which identifies Jarrett as Ryan’s brother.
Both brothers were born in Abbotsford and developed their interest in hockey through the local minor hockey system.
No additional siblings have been reliably identified in the principal public sources reviewed.
Jarrett Craig – Ryan Craig’s Younger Brother
Jarrett Craig was born on February 3, 1984, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
He is approximately two years younger than Ryan.
Like his older brother, Jarrett developed his hockey abilities through the Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association.
He subsequently played competitive junior hockey, including time with the Abbotsford Pilots.
Although Jarrett did not establish an NHL career, he remained involved in hockey after his playing days.
He eventually pursued coaching opportunities in British Columbia.
Jarrett Craig’s Coaching Career
Jarrett Craig became a coach with the Abbotsford Pilots, a junior hockey organization in British Columbia.
According to the team’s official website, he served as head coach and worked on developing young hockey players both on and off the ice.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, resilience, work ethic and personal development.
He has also coached in the Abbotsford minor hockey system.
The brothers therefore share professional interests in hockey leadership and developing younger players.
Although Ryan progressed to NHL coaching while Jarrett worked in junior hockey, both have continued their involvement in the sport that shaped their childhood.
Jarrett Craig’s Wife and Children
The Abbotsford Pilots’ official coaching biography identifies Jarrett’s wife as Loreen Craig.
The couple has two sons named Sterling and Rhys.
The family lives in Abbotsford, where Jarrett has remained active in community hockey.
He has helped coach his sons through local minor hockey programs.
These details demonstrate that hockey remains a shared interest across generations of the Craig family.
Ryan and Jarrett Craig’s Relationship
Ryan and Jarrett grew up together in Abbotsford, where hockey became a major part of family life.
Both played competitive hockey and developed friendships through local teams.
In a 2017 interview, Ryan recalled that family vacations frequently involved hockey tournaments.
He also explained that his parents made considerable sacrifices to ensure both sons could participate.
Jarrett remained one of the relatives who celebrated Ryan’s achievements during his professional playing career.
In 2016, Ryan said his brother was among the family members who supported him when the Lake Erie Monsters won the Calder Cup.
Ryan Craig’s Grandparents and Family Heritage
Ryan Craig has family roots in Manitoba through his mother’s side.
According to NHL.com, his grandparents came from Dauphin, Manitoba.
The connection helped the family feel comfortable with Ryan’s decision to move from British Columbia to Brandon for junior hockey.
His family also has Ukrainian heritage, reflected in traditions such as making pierogies.
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023, Craig celebrated by eating his mother’s homemade pierogies from the trophy.
In a June 2026 interview, he recalled that the meal was particularly memorable because it combined family traditions with one of the greatest achievements of his hockey career.
His late grandfather was also part of an important family celebration following the Lake Erie Monsters’ 2016 Calder Cup championship.
Jaydee explained in a 2017 interview that sharing the trophy with Ryan’s grandfather had been especially meaningful. His grandfather subsequently died from cancer.
How Ryan Craig’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Ryan Craig’s hockey journey began in Abbotsford, where his father and younger brother shared his interest in the sport.
He developed through local minor hockey before being selected by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the second round of the 1997 WHL Bantam Draft.
Craig moved to Manitoba as a teenager, beginning an important new chapter in his life.
He spent five seasons with Brandon, eventually becoming team captain.
The experience was significant not only because of his professional development but also because he met his future wife, Jaydee.
His performances attracted attention from NHL scouts, and the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him in the eighth round with the 255th overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Craig subsequently played professional hockey in the NHL and American Hockey League.
He appeared in 198 NHL regular-season games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.
He also became a respected leader in the American Hockey League, serving as captain for several organizations.
Ryan Craig’s Calder Cup and Stanley Cup Celebrations
In 2016, Craig captained the Lake Erie Monsters to the Calder Cup championship.
The victory represented one of the most important achievements of his playing career.
His parents, brother, wife and children were present to support him during the celebrations.
The family later took the Calder Cup to Canada, where they celebrated at a lakeside property.
One of their traditions involved washing the trophy and eating ice cream from it.
After retiring in 2017, Craig began working as an assistant coach for the Vegas Golden Knights.
He helped the team win its first Stanley Cup championship in 2023.
The victory provided another opportunity to celebrate with Jaydee and their children.
His mother’s homemade pierogies became part of the Stanley Cup celebrations, creating a memorable family photograph.
Ryan Craig Becomes Head Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights
On June 17, 2026, the Vegas Golden Knights officially named Ryan Craig the fifth head coach in franchise history.
He had previously spent six seasons as an assistant coach with Vegas before leading the Henderson Silver Knights for three seasons.
During his time in Henderson, the team’s regular-season win total increased each year.
In the 2025–26 season, Henderson recorded 39 victories and reached the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Craig’s success earned him the opportunity to lead the NHL organization.
During his introductory press conference, he acknowledged the support of his wife Jaydee and their three children.
He became visibly emotional while discussing the family sacrifices involved in reaching that stage of his career.
Craig explained that his family’s support had been essential throughout his journey.
His appointment also allowed the family to remain in Las Vegas, where they had lived since 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryan Craig’s Family
Who is Ryan Craig’s wife?
Ryan Craig is married to Jaydee Craig, a former figure skater from Manitoba, Canada.
Does Ryan Craig have a girlfriend?
Ryan Craig is married to his longtime partner, Jaydee, so she is his wife rather than his girlfriend.
How did Ryan Craig meet his wife?
Ryan Craig met Jaydee during his junior hockey career with the Brandon Wheat Kings in Manitoba.
When did Ryan Craig get married?
Ryan and Jaydee became engaged around Valentine’s Day in 2005. Their exact wedding date has not been independently confirmed in reliable public reporting.
How many children does Ryan Craig have?
Ryan Craig has three children with his wife, Jaydee: Carson, Kylie and Camryn.
Who is Ryan Craig’s son?
His son is Carson Craig, who played youth hockey during the family’s time in Ohio.
Who are Ryan Craig’s daughters?
His daughters are Kylie Craig and Camryn Craig.
Who are Ryan Craig’s parents?
Ryan Craig’s parents raised him in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Their full names have not been reliably established in the public sources reviewed.
Who is Ryan Craig’s father?
Ryan Craig’s father played hockey and helped introduce Ryan and his younger brother to the sport.
Who is Ryan Craig’s mother?
Ryan Craig’s mother has family roots in Dauphin, Manitoba. She is also known for the homemade pierogies Ryan enjoyed during his Stanley Cup celebrations.
Does Ryan Craig have siblings?
Yes. Ryan Craig has a younger brother named Jarrett Craig, who also played hockey and became a junior hockey coach.
Who is Ryan Craig’s brother?
His younger brother is Jarrett Craig, born on February 3, 1984, in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He has worked as head coach of the Abbotsford Pilots.
Does Ryan Craig’s brother have children?
Yes. Jarrett Craig and his wife, Loreen, have two sons named Sterling and Rhys, according to the Abbotsford Pilots’ official coaching biography.
Where was Ryan Craig born?
Ryan Craig was born on January 6, 1982, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Did Ryan Craig play in the NHL?
Yes. Ryan Craig played 198 NHL regular-season games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Has Ryan Craig won the Stanley Cup?
Yes. Ryan Craig won the Stanley Cup in 2023 as an assistant coach with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Which NHL team does Ryan Craig coach?
Ryan Craig is head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. He was appointed to the position on June 17, 2026.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
