Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Vasily Podkolzin is a Russian professional ice hockey player who plays for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 24, 2001, in Moscow, Russia, he grew up in a supportive family that helped him pursue his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.
Vasily Podkolzin is married to Alexandra Kotyatkina, commonly known as Sasha Podkolzina. The couple has a daughter named Alisa, who was born in July 2023. His parents are Alexander and Natalia Podkolzin, and he has two younger siblings: a brother named Mikhail and a sister named Margarita.
His father, Alexander Podkolzin, was a businessman and amateur hockey player who died unexpectedly in September 2025. Vasily has frequently credited his family with supporting him throughout his career, from his childhood in Moscow to professional hockey in North America.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Wife: Who Is Sasha Kotyatkina?
Vasily Podkolzin is married to Alexandra Kotyatkina, also known as Sasha Kotyatkina or Sasha Podkolzina.
Sasha is originally from Russia and has accompanied her husband throughout important stages of his professional hockey career.
The couple married in June 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, shortly before Vasily moved to Canada to join the Vancouver Canucks.
Their wedding marked an important milestone because Podkolzin was preparing to begin his NHL career after several seasons playing professionally in Russia.
Following their marriage, Vasily publicly celebrated the occasion on social media, expressing excitement about beginning a new chapter with his wife.
According to Daily Hive Vancouver, the couple relocated to Vancouver approximately three months after their wedding.
Sasha supported her husband as he adjusted to living in Canada, learning English, and competing in the NHL.
Although she occasionally shares photographs of their personal lives on Instagram, she generally maintains a relatively private public profile.
Sasha Podkolzina’s Life in Canada
After moving to Vancouver in 2021, Sasha and Vasily began establishing their home in Canada.
The transition involved adjusting to a different country, language, and lifestyle while Vasily adapted to professional hockey in North America.
Sasha became an important source of emotional support during that period.
In a February 2024 interview published by the Vancouver Canucks, Vasily explained that having a supportive wife helped him maintain his concentration on hockey.
He acknowledged that Sasha managed many responsibilities at home, allowing him to focus on his professional development.
The couple’s relationship became even more significant after they welcomed their first child in July 2023.
In August 2024, Vasily was traded from Vancouver to the Edmonton Oilers.
He later revealed that he received the news while driving with Sasha to IKEA, where they had planned to purchase furniture for their apartment.
The unexpected trade required the family to adjust their plans and begin another chapter in Edmonton.
Despite the challenges associated with professional hockey relocations, Sasha has continued supporting her husband’s career.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Vasily Podkolzin and his wife, Sasha, have one publicly documented child, a daughter named Alisa Podkolzina.
Alisa was born in early July 2023 in Canada, while her father was playing for the Vancouver Canucks.
The couple announced her arrival through Instagram on July 11, 2023.
Alisa Podkolzina: Vasily Podkolzin’s Daughter
Alisa Podkolzina is the daughter of Vasily and Alexandra Podkolzin.
Her birth in July 2023 marked an important milestone for the Russian hockey player, who was 22 years old when he became a father.
According to the Vancouver Canucks’ official website, Podkolzin temporarily reduced his training activities following Alisa’s arrival to spend time with his wife and newborn daughter.
He explained that Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet had encouraged him to take approximately one week away from his offseason training program to focus on his family.
Podkolzin appreciated the advice and spent several days at home adjusting to fatherhood.
Both his parents and Sasha’s parents were visiting Canada during that period, providing additional support to the new parents.
In an August 2023 interview, Vasily discussed the responsibilities associated with caring for a newborn.
He explained that his sleeping schedule had changed significantly but that he enjoyed learning how to become a good father.
He also revealed that he had become comfortable changing diapers and helping Sasha with their daughter’s daily needs.
Fatherhood gave Podkolzin additional motivation to succeed professionally because he wanted to provide for his family and become a positive example for his daughter.
Alisa’s First NHL Experiences
Alisa has occasionally appeared in photographs associated with her father’s hockey career.
On March 9, 2024, she attended her first Vancouver Canucks NHL game at Rogers Arena, where the Canucks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5–0.
Podkolzin has also discussed taking photographs of his daughter with NHL players so she can look back on those memories when she grows older.
According to The Hockey Writers, Alisa has appeared in photographs with notable players, including Alexander Ovechkin, Quinn Hughes, and J.T. Miller.
In October 2024, Podkolzin celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with his wife, daughter, and several Russian NHL players.
The gathering included Matvei Michkov, Ivan Fedotov, and Egor Zamula.
Alisa appeared in photographs from the occasion, providing another glimpse into the family’s life in Canada.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Parents
Vasily Podkolzin was born to Alexander Podkolzin and Natalia Podkolzina in Moscow, Russia.
His parents raised him in the Maryino district of Moscow, where he developed an interest in hockey during early childhood.
His father was a businessman who played amateur hockey, while his mother worked as a piano teacher.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Father: Alexander Podkolzin
Alexander Podkolzin was Vasily Podkolzin’s father and one of the most influential people in his hockey development.
Alexander worked as an entrepreneur in Russia and played recreational ice hockey.
His passion for the sport encouraged Vasily to become interested in hockey at an early age.
In an August 2018 interview with Sport-Express, Vasily recalled that his father introduced him to skating when he was approximately four years old.
Alexander initially enrolled him in a hockey school in Moscow’s Maryino district.
However, Vasily quickly demonstrated unusual enthusiasm for the sport.
According to an interview published by Russia’s Sirius Educational Centre, the young Podkolzin frequently played hockey at home and attempted to use his father’s equipment.
Alexander recalled that his son’s enthusiasm was so intense that everyday household objects sometimes became makeshift sticks and pucks.
He initially attempted to enroll Vasily in organized hockey when the boy was approximately three years old, but coaches recommended waiting until he had developed stronger skating abilities.
Vasily subsequently began training regularly and progressed through Moscow’s youth hockey system.
Alexander remained involved throughout his development, attending games and supporting his decision to pursue professional hockey.
Alexander Podkolzin’s Death in September 2025
Alexander Podkolzin died unexpectedly on September 23, 2025.
The Edmonton Oilers officially announced his death the following day, expressing condolences to Vasily and his family.
Podkolzin was granted a temporary leave of absence from the team so he could return to Russia and spend time with his relatives.
The news came shortly after he had signed a three-year contract extension with Edmonton.
Alexander had remained closely involved in Vasily’s career, including visiting him in Edmonton during the 2024–25 NHL season.
In a 2026 interview reported by Russian sports publication Championat, Vasily discussed how difficult the loss had been for him.
He described his father as one of the people closest to him and explained that concentrating on hockey and fulfilling his responsibilities to his wife and daughter helped him manage his grief.
Alexander’s influence remains an important part of Podkolzin’s personal history and development as a professional athlete.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Mother: Natalia Podkolzina
Natalia Podkolzina is Vasily Podkolzin’s mother and a Russian piano teacher.
Her name and profession were documented in a family interview published by the Sirius Educational Centre.
Natalia helped raise Vasily and his younger siblings in Moscow while supporting their education and extracurricular activities.
Unlike her husband, whose interests centered on hockey, Natalia has a strong background in music and the arts.
According to a 2020 interview with the Kontinental Hockey League, she taught piano and encouraged Vasily to learn music during childhood.
Vasily studied piano for approximately one year before deciding to concentrate on hockey.
He has nevertheless retained some musical knowledge and has discussed playing familiar songs on the piano.
Natalia also supported her son’s decision to attend a hockey boarding school in Podolsk when he was approximately 13 years old.
In her Sirius interview, she admitted that the separation was emotionally difficult because the family was accustomed to having him at home.
However, she respected his ambitions and encouraged him to pursue the sport.
Natalia explained that the family maintained an understanding that Vasily could return home if he decided professional hockey was not the right path.
He ultimately continued training and progressed through the Russian junior hockey system.
Even after Vasily moved away, Natalia followed his games and maintained regular contact with him.
She has remained an important source of encouragement during his professional career in Russia and North America.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Siblings
Vasily Podkolzin has two younger siblings: a brother named Mikhail Podkolzin and a sister named Margarita Podkolzina.
Both siblings were identified in a family interview published by the Sirius Educational Centre, and Vasily has also confirmed having a brother and sister in interviews with Russian hockey publications.
Mikhail Podkolzin: Vasily Podkolzin’s Younger Brother
Mikhail Podkolzin, also known as Misha, is Vasily Podkolzin’s younger brother.
He was born in 2011 and grew up in Moscow, where he developed an interest in hockey.
Like Vasily, Mikhail began participating in organized hockey during childhood.
According to Sport-Express, he trained with the Vityaz hockey organization in the Moscow region.
The brothers share a passion for hockey, although they began developing their careers at different times.
In a 2018 interview, their father Alexander discussed the differences between their playing abilities and personalities.
He explained that both sons had strengths and areas where they could improve, avoiding direct comparisons between them.
In a 2020 interview, Natalia Podkolzina also described how Mikhail enjoyed watching his older brother compete.
She explained that Mikhail understood the sport well enough to offer occasional criticism of Vasily’s performances.
The younger brother’s interest in hockey has helped maintain the family’s connection to the sport.
However, publicly verified details about Mikhail’s more recent hockey development remain limited.
Margarita Podkolzina: Vasily Podkolzin’s Younger Sister
Margarita Podkolzina is Vasily Podkolzin’s younger sister.
Her identity was confirmed in an interview with their mother, Natalia, published by the Sirius Educational Centre.
Margarita grew up alongside Vasily and Mikhail in Moscow, where the family encouraged different interests and activities.
Unlike her brothers, whose childhood interests centered on hockey, Margarita was involved in creative activities.
In a 2018 interview with the SKA hockey organization, Vasily explained that his brother participated in hockey while his sister pursued creative interests.
The difference reflected the family’s encouragement of individual interests rather than expecting every child to follow the same sporting path.
Although Margarita has been mentioned in interviews involving Vasily and their parents, she maintains a private public profile.
Reliable information about her education, occupation, and personal relationships is limited.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Extended Family
Podkolzin also has an extended family connection to professional ice hockey through his uncle, Valery Rakov.
Valery Rakov: Vasily Podkolzin’s Uncle
Valery Rakov is a relative of Vasily Podkolzin by marriage and a former professional hockey player.
During a December 2020 interview with the Kontinental Hockey League, Vasily explained that Rakov was his uncle through marriage.
Rakov previously played for Khimik Voskresensk in Russia and was a teammate of former NHL star Igor Larionov.
Podkolzin recalled spending time with his uncle during summer vacations and learning from his hockey experience.
He particularly appreciated Rakov’s passing abilities and understanding of the game.
The relationship provided Vasily with another opportunity to learn about professional hockey beyond his father’s recreational playing experience.
Vasily Podkolzin’s Family Background and Early Life
Vasily Podkolzin was born on June 24, 2001, in Moscow, Russia.
He grew up in the Maryino district with his parents and younger siblings.
His father introduced him to skating during early childhood, and Vasily quickly developed a passion for hockey.
He began playing organized hockey with a local team before joining the Belye Medvedi youth organization.
His training required considerable travel across Moscow, but his family supported the demanding schedule.
At approximately 13 years old, Vasily moved to Podolsk to attend a hockey boarding school associated with Vityaz.
The decision required him to live away from his parents and siblings, but it helped accelerate his development.
He later joined the SKA Saint Petersburg organization, progressing through its junior and professional teams.
In June 2019, the Vancouver Canucks selected him 10th overall in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
After continuing his career in Russia, Podkolzin moved to Canada in 2021 with his wife, Sasha.
He made his NHL debut for Vancouver during the 2021–22 season.
In August 2024, the Canucks traded him to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.
His first season with Edmonton proved productive, as he appeared in all 82 regular-season games during the 2024–25 campaign.
On September 23, 2025, the Oilers signed him to a three-year contract extension worth $8.85 million, beginning with the 2026–27 season.
Throughout his career, family has remained an important source of motivation, particularly after his marriage, the birth of his daughter, and the death of his father.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vasily Podkolzin’s Family
Who is Vasily Podkolzin’s wife?
Vasily Podkolzin is married to Alexandra Kotyatkina, commonly known as Sasha Podkolzina. The couple married in 2021 before moving to Vancouver, Canada.
Does Vasily Podkolzin have a girlfriend?
Vasily Podkolzin is married. His wife is Sasha Kotyatkina, whom he married in 2021.
How many children does Vasily Podkolzin have?
Vasily Podkolzin has one publicly documented child, a daughter named Alisa.
When was Vasily Podkolzin’s daughter born?
His daughter, Alisa Podkolzina, was born in early July 2023 in Canada.
Who are Vasily Podkolzin’s parents?
His parents are Alexander Podkolzin and Natalia Podkolzina. His father was an entrepreneur and amateur hockey player, while his mother worked as a piano teacher.
What happened to Vasily Podkolzin’s father?
Alexander Podkolzin died unexpectedly on September 23, 2025. The Edmonton Oilers announced his death and granted Vasily leave to return to Russia to be with his family.
Who is Vasily Podkolzin’s mother?
His mother is Natalia Podkolzina, a Russian piano teacher who supported his hockey development throughout childhood.
Does Vasily Podkolzin have a brother?
Yes. He has a younger brother named Mikhail Podkolzin, born in 2011, who has also played youth hockey.
Does Vasily Podkolzin have a sister?
Yes. His younger sister is Margarita Podkolzina, whose name was confirmed in an interview with their mother.
How many siblings does Vasily Podkolzin have?
Vasily Podkolzin has two younger siblings: Mikhail and Margarita.
Is Vasily Podkolzin’s family involved in hockey?
Yes. His father played amateur hockey, his younger brother participated in youth hockey, and his uncle Valery Rakov previously played professionally in Russia.
Where did Vasily Podkolzin grow up?
He grew up in Moscow’s Maryino district before moving away from home during adolescence to pursue competitive hockey.
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.
