Tye Kartye Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin

Tye Kartye is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 30, 2001, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Kartye grew up in a supportive family with strong connections to education, healthcare, and athletics.

His parents are Todd Kartye and Richelle Kartye. His father is a high school chemistry teacher, while his mother has worked as a clinical nurse educator in cardiac care. He also has a sister named Talya Kartye, who pursued a nursing education at Trent University.

Kartye’s family received national attention in April 2023 when his parents made an extraordinary last-minute journey to watch his NHL debut for the Seattle Kraken against the Colorado Avalanche.

Although his parents and sister have been publicly identified, reliable information about his current romantic relationship, marital status, and children remains limited.

Tye Kartye’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

Tye Kartye has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend through official NHL interviews, team announcements, or established sports publications.

The Canadian forward generally maintains a private personal life, with most media attention focusing on his professional hockey career, family background, and determination to reach the NHL.

Some online biographical websites have published claims about his past dating life. However, these reports have not been independently substantiated by reliable sports journalism or public statements from Kartye.

Therefore, his current relationship status cannot be established with confidence.

Is Tye Kartye Married?

There is no verified public announcement confirming that Tye Kartye is married or engaged.

His official player biographies from the NHL Players’ Association and New York Rangers do not identify a spouse.

Without reliable confirmation of a wedding or marriage, it would be speculative to describe him as having a wife.

Does Tye Kartye Have Children?

There is no publicly verified information confirming that Tye Kartye has children.

His official hockey biographies and established interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.

Although Kartye has openly discussed the importance of his parents and their support throughout his career, he has not publicly confirmed becoming a father.

Therefore, whether he has children remains unconfirmed rather than an established public fact.

Tye Kartye’s Parents

Tye Kartye’s parents are Todd Kartye and Richelle Kartye, who raised their family in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Both have professional backgrounds outside hockey but became closely involved in their son’s athletic development.

Their names and occupations were confirmed in an April 27, 2023, NHL.com article about their journey to attend Tye’s NHL debut.

Father: Todd Kartye

Tye Kartye’s father is Todd Kartye, a Canadian educator who teaches chemistry at Bayridge Secondary School in Kingston, Ontario.

Todd has spent much of his professional career teaching secondary school students and helping them develop interests in science and higher education.

His dedication to teaching has earned recognition beyond his local community.

In June 2012, Queen’s University announced that Todd was among four recipients of the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.

The university reported that three former students nominated him for the award, recognizing his ability to encourage learning and inspire young people.

Todd is also a graduate of Queen’s University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 1993 and teacher education in 1994.

Todd Kartye’s Influence on His Son

Alongside his teaching career, Todd has been an important source of support throughout Tye’s hockey journey.

He and his wife regularly drove their son to early morning practices and youth hockey games.

These commitments were particularly demanding because both parents maintained full-time professional careers.

Nevertheless, they continued encouraging Tye as he progressed through minor hockey and eventually joined the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.

During a Seattle Kraken fathers’ trip covered by the team’s official website, Todd reflected on the sacrifices the family had made.

He recalled the years spent transporting Tye to practices and meeting other hockey parents while watching games.

Those childhood memories became especially meaningful after his son established himself in professional hockey.

Todd also acknowledged that he had not always been certain Tye would reach the NHL, particularly because he was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

However, his son’s perseverance and eventual opportunity with Seattle made the family’s sacrifices worthwhile.

Father’s Reaction to Tye Kartye’s NHL Debut

One of Todd Kartye’s most memorable experiences occurred on April 26, 2023, when Tye made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche.

Todd was teaching at Bayridge Secondary School when his wife informed him that Tye would be playing that evening.

He immediately approached the school principal and requested permission to leave work early.

Although the game was being played in Denver, Colorado, more than 1,600 miles from Kingston, Todd and Richelle were determined to attend.

The couple traveled to Toronto Pearson International Airport and boarded a flight to Denver.

They arrived at Ball Arena approximately three minutes after the game began.

Fortunately, they made it in time to watch Tye score his first NHL goal during the second period.

Television cameras captured Todd celebrating enthusiastically in the stands while wearing a Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds hat.

Speaking to NHL.com after the game, Todd expressed immense pride in his son’s determination and the effort he had invested in reaching professional hockey.

The moment became a memorable celebration for the Kartye family.

Mother: Richelle Kartye

Tye Kartye’s mother is Richelle Kartye, a Canadian healthcare professional who has worked as a clinical nurse educator at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

According to NHL.com, Richelle worked in the organization’s cardiac program, helping educate and support healthcare professionals involved in cardiac care.

Her professional responsibilities required specialized medical knowledge and a commitment to patient care and clinical education.

Alongside her healthcare career, Richelle has been an important supporter of Tye’s athletic ambitions.

She and Todd balanced their professional commitments with the demands of raising a competitive young hockey player.

Richelle regularly attended practices and games and remained actively involved as Tye progressed through junior and professional hockey.

Richelle Kartye’s Emotional Journey to Her Son’s NHL Debut

Richelle played a central role in organizing the family’s last-minute journey to Denver in April 2023.

On the morning of Tye’s debut, she was communicating with her son while waiting to learn whether he would be included in Seattle’s lineup.

When Tye confirmed he would be playing, Richelle immediately began arranging the trip.

She informed Todd, and the couple left their workplaces to travel to Toronto.

Richelle’s brother, Dave Stevenson, assisted the family by booking their flights.

During the journey, they encountered difficulties related to timing and transportation, but they continued toward Denver.

They arrived at the arena shortly after the opening faceoff and took their seats behind the Kraken bench.

When Tye scored in the second period, Richelle celebrated alongside Todd.

Following the game, she told NHL.com that she was extremely proud of her son’s hard work and dedication.

Her reaction reflected the years of encouragement she had provided while Tye pursued his dream of reaching the NHL.

Tye Kartye’s Siblings

Tye Kartye has one publicly identified sibling, his sister Talya Kartye.

Unlike her brother, who pursued professional ice hockey, Talya followed an educational path connected to nursing and healthcare.

Sister: Talya Kartye

Talya Kartye is Tye Kartye’s sister and a Canadian nursing graduate.

She grew up in Kingston, Ontario, in a family where education and athletics were important parts of everyday life.

While Tye concentrated on hockey, Talya developed interests in other activities, including basketball and volleyball, according to published biographical accounts.

She subsequently pursued nursing studies at Trent University in Ontario.

Trent University’s official June 2025 undergraduate convocation program lists Talya Lynne Kartye among the Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates associated with Otonabee College.

Her studies reflect a connection to the healthcare field in which her mother has also worked.

However, completing a nursing degree does not by itself establish a person’s current employment or professional registration status.

Reliable public sources provide limited information about Talya’s current occupation, personal relationships, or activities outside her education.

She has generally maintained a private life rather than seeking public attention through her brother’s professional hockey career.

Tye Kartye’s Uncle: Dave Stevenson

Tye Kartye also has a publicly identified maternal uncle named Dave Stevenson.

Dave is Richelle Kartye’s brother and played a helpful role during the family’s trip to Tye’s NHL debut in April 2023.

According to NHL.com, Dave assisted Todd and Richelle by arranging their flight from Toronto to Denver.

He also helped them follow the beginning of the game while they were traveling to the arena.

Because the parents had not yet reached Ball Arena when Tye took his first shift, Dave used a video call to show them the television broadcast.

His assistance allowed them to follow the early moments of their son’s NHL career despite the travel complications.

Although Dave’s connection to the family is documented, further information about his occupation and personal background remains limited.

How Tye Kartye’s Family Supported His Hockey Career

Tye Kartye grew up in Kingston, Ontario, where he began playing organized ice hockey.

He developed through local minor hockey programs, including the Greater Kingston Jr. Frontenacs.

He also played for La Salle Secondary School, helping its hockey team win a Kingston-area secondary school championship in 2017.

His parents supported these activities while encouraging him to continue developing his athletic abilities.

In 2017, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds selected Kartye in the eighth round of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

He initially faced challenges earning a place on the junior team but continued working to improve.

By the 2021-22 season, he had developed into one of the Greyhounds’ leading offensive players.

He finished that season with 45 goals and 34 assists for 79 points in 63 games.

Despite his achievements, no NHL organization selected him in the entry draft.

However, his determination eventually attracted the attention of the Seattle Kraken.

On March 1, 2022, the Kraken signed Kartye to a three-year entry-level contract as an undrafted free agent.

His family’s support remained important as he transitioned from junior hockey to the professional level.

Tye Kartye’s NHL Debut: A Special Family Celebration

On April 26, 2023, Tye Kartye made his NHL debut for the Seattle Kraken during Game 5 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Seattle needed another forward after Jared McCann suffered an injury during the previous game.

Kartye received the opportunity to join the lineup alongside established NHL players Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle.

His parents traveled from Kingston to Denver after learning that he would play.

During the second period, Jordan Eberle delivered a pass to Kartye, who scored against Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.

The goal helped Seattle earn a 3-2 victory over Colorado.

The achievement was particularly significant because Kartye became one of the few players in NHL history to score a playoff goal during their first NHL game.

For Todd and Richelle, watching the moment in person represented the culmination of years spent supporting their son’s sporting ambitions.

Their emotional reaction became one of the memorable stories of Seattle’s 2023 playoff campaign.

Tye Kartye’s Professional Hockey Career

Following his junior hockey career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Kartye joined the Seattle Kraken organization.

He began his professional career with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s American Hockey League affiliate.

During the 2022-23 season, he recorded 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 72 games.

His performance earned him the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding rookie.

He subsequently made his NHL debut during Seattle’s 2023 Stanley Cup playoff run.

During the 2023-24 NHL regular season, Kartye established himself as a regular member of the Kraken lineup, recording 11 goals and nine assists in 77 games.

He continued playing for Seattle before the team placed him on waivers during the 2025-26 season.

On February 27, 2026, the New York Rangers announced that they had claimed Kartye off waivers from the Kraken.

The move began a new chapter in his professional hockey career.

Kartye’s progress from an undrafted junior player to the NHL demonstrates the persistence that his family encouraged throughout his upbringing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tye Kartye’s Family

Who is Tye Kartye’s girlfriend?

Tye Kartye has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend through reliable sources. His relationship status remains unverified.

Is Tye Kartye married?

There is no verified public announcement confirming that Tye Kartye is married.

Does Tye Kartye have children?

No reliable public information confirms that Tye Kartye has children.

Who are Tye Kartye’s parents?

His parents are Todd Kartye and Richelle Kartye, who raised their family in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Who is Tye Kartye’s father?

His father is Todd Kartye, a chemistry teacher at Bayridge Secondary School in Kingston, Ontario.

Who is Tye Kartye’s mother?

His mother is Richelle Kartye, a healthcare professional who has worked as a clinical nurse educator in cardiac care at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

Does Tye Kartye have siblings?

Yes. Tye Kartye has a publicly identified sister named Talya Kartye.

Who is Tye Kartye’s sister?

His sister is Talya Kartye, who was listed among the Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates in Trent University’s 2025 convocation program.

What does Tye Kartye’s father do for a living?

Todd Kartye is a secondary school chemistry teacher who received a Queen’s University teaching excellence award in 2012.

What does Tye Kartye’s mother do for a living?

Richelle Kartye has worked in cardiac nursing education at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

Who is Tye Kartye’s uncle?

His publicly identified maternal uncle is Dave Stevenson, who helped arrange transportation for Tye’s parents to attend his NHL debut in Denver in April 2023.

Where is Tye Kartye’s family from?

The Kartye family is from Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Did Tye Kartye’s parents attend his NHL debut?

Yes. Todd and Richelle Kartye traveled from Kingston to Denver on April 26, 2023, and arrived in time to see Tye score his first NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche.