Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Bernald Sanders

Marco Rossi is an Austrian professional ice hockey player who plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 23, 2001, in Feldkirch, Austria, Rossi grew up in a family with strong connections to sports, particularly ice hockey and tennis.
His family has played an important role in his journey to the NHL. His father, Michael Rossi, is a former professional ice hockey player, while his mother, Claudia Rossi, supported his development alongside his two older sisters, Estelle and Marielle.
In his personal life, Rossi is married to Stefanie Prast, his longtime girlfriend, who supported him through one of the most difficult periods of his hockey career. The couple married in June 2026.
Marco Rossi’s Wife and Relationship History
Stefanie Prast – Marco Rossi’s Wife
Marco Rossi is married to Stefanie Prast, an Austrian woman from the Vorarlberg region. The couple maintained a relationship for several years before getting married in June 2026.
According to a February 2025 profile published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Rossi met Stefanie during his recovery from myocarditis, a heart condition that temporarily interrupted his professional hockey career.
The couple were introduced by Rossi’s older sister, Estelle, who worked at the same bank as Stefanie.
During Rossi’s recovery in Austria, Stefanie provided emotional support and companionship. The couple frequently went on walks together while Rossi was unable to participate in strenuous physical activity.
Their relationship continued as Rossi returned to professional hockey and established himself with the Minnesota Wild.
Stefanie later moved with Rossi to North America, where they built a life together while maintaining close connections to Austria.
Who Is Stefanie Prast?
Stefanie Prast is best known publicly as Marco Rossi’s wife. She is originally from Austria and previously worked at a bank, according to reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
She has also pursued an interest in cooking and culinary education.
In a November 2023 interview with the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation, Rossi explained that Stefanie was attending culinary school and frequently prepared meals for them.
He also revealed that she had taught him to cook, helping him develop greater independence in the kitchen.
Stefanie has accompanied Rossi during his professional career in North America and has supported him through significant personal and sporting challenges.
Although she occasionally appears in photographs and interviews involving her husband, she generally maintains a relatively private life.
Marco Rossi and Stefanie Prast’s Wedding
Marco Rossi and Stefanie Prast became engaged in 2025.
During a July 2025 interview with Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Rossi referred to Stefanie as his fiancée and revealed that the couple were considering Italy as their wedding destination.
They officially married in June 2026, with their civil wedding ceremony taking place in Dornbirn, Austria, surrounded by family members and close friends.
A larger wedding celebration followed in Italy, near Lake Como.
Rossi subsequently discussed the Italian celebration during an appearance on the Vancouver Canucks Insider podcast, describing it as a memorable occasion.
Following their marriage, Stefanie began using the surname Rossi.
The wedding marked another important milestone in the couple’s relationship, which began during a challenging period in Rossi’s life.
Does Marco Rossi Have Children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that Marco Rossi and his wife Stefanie have children.
The couple have shared certain aspects of their marriage and personal life, but they have not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter through reliable sports publications.
They have, however, spoken about their shared affection for dogs.
In a 2023 interview, Rossi revealed that he and Stefanie had welcomed a dog into their household. He explained that taking walks with their pet helped him relax and manage the demands of professional hockey.
Although Rossi is now married, there is no reliable confirmation that he has become a father.
Marco Rossi’s Parents
Marco Rossi was born to Michael Rossi and Claudia Rossi in Feldkirch, Austria.
His parents raised him alongside his two older sisters and made significant sacrifices to help him pursue a professional hockey career.
His father was closely involved in his sporting development, while his mother helped manage family responsibilities and supported her children’s different athletic interests.
Rossi has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the time, effort, and financial sacrifices his parents made during his childhood.
Michael Rossi – Marco Rossi’s Father
Michael Rossi is Marco Rossi’s father and a former professional ice hockey player.
Michael enjoyed a professional playing career spanning approximately 20 years, primarily representing VEU Feldkirch in Austria.
He played as a defenseman and won multiple championships during his time with the club.
His involvement in professional hockey strongly influenced Marco’s decision to begin skating when he was approximately three years old.
In an October 2019 NHL.com diary, Marco explained that his father encouraged him to become a responsible and unselfish teammate rather than concentrating exclusively on scoring goals.
Michael believed that passing the puck, playing with determination, and supporting teammates were essential qualities for a successful hockey player.
Michael Rossi’s Sacrifices for His Son
One of the most remarkable aspects of Marco Rossi’s childhood involved the extensive travel required for his hockey development.
When Marco was approximately 10 years old, he began playing hockey in Switzerland to experience a higher level of competition.
At 13, he joined the Zurich hockey development system, which required lengthy journeys from the family’s home in Austria.
Michael regularly drove his son to training sessions and games, sometimes spending several hours traveling each day.
According to Austrian newspaper Der Standard, the father and son accumulated approximately 475,000 kilometers of travel over four years while pursuing Marco’s hockey ambitions.
The exhausting schedule sometimes required them to leave home early in the morning and return close to midnight.
Michael’s dedication allowed Marco to continue developing his skills while competing against talented young players in Switzerland.
Marco has frequently credited his father as one of the most influential people in his life and hockey career.
Claudia Rossi – Marco Rossi’s Mother
Claudia Rossi is Marco Rossi’s mother and an important source of support throughout his life.
While Michael spent significant amounts of time accompanying Marco to hockey practices and games, Claudia helped care for the rest of the family in Austria.
She was particularly involved in supporting the activities of Marco’s two older sisters, who pursued tennis rather than hockey.
In an October 2020 interview with Der Standard, Michael publicly acknowledged his wife’s sacrifices and praised her contribution to their children’s development.
Claudia has also celebrated important milestones in her son’s professional career.
When the Minnesota Wild selected Marco with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, she attended the family’s draft celebration alongside Michael and their daughters.
Speaking to Austrian media, she expressed pride and relief after watching her son achieve one of his major childhood ambitions.
Claudia also celebrated Marco’s NHL debut in January 2022.
In an interview with Sky Sport Austria, she described how proud she felt that her son had finally realized his dream of competing in the NHL.
Although Claudia has occasionally appeared in sports coverage, detailed information about her occupation and personal background remains limited.
Marco Rossi’s Siblings
Marco Rossi has two older sisters named Estelle Rossi and Marielle Rossi.
He is the youngest of three children in the Rossi family.
Unlike Marco and their father, who pursued ice hockey, both sisters developed interests in tennis.
In his official 2019 NHL Draft diary, Marco confirmed that he has two older sisters and identified them by name.
Estelle Rossi – Marco Rossi’s Older Sister
Estelle Rossi is one of Marco Rossi’s two older sisters.
She grew up in Feldkirch, Austria, and developed an interest in tennis during childhood.
Estelle has played an important role in her younger brother’s personal life, particularly through her connection to his wife, Stefanie Prast.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Estelle and Stefanie worked at the same bank in Austria.
Estelle introduced her brother to Stefanie during his recovery from myocarditis in 2021.
The introduction eventually developed into a romantic relationship, which led to Marco and Stefanie’s marriage in 2026.
Estelle was also present at family celebrations surrounding Marco’s selection in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Although she has appeared in some family photographs and reporting, further details about her personal life remain private.
Marielle Rossi – Marco Rossi’s Older Sister
Marielle Rossi is Marco Rossi’s other older sister.
Like Estelle, Marielle grew up in Feldkirch and pursued tennis during her younger years.
She has maintained a close connection to her family and supported Marco throughout his hockey development.
Marielle appeared alongside her parents and sister during coverage of Marco’s selection by the Minnesota Wild in October 2020.
Austrian media documented the family’s celebrations after Marco became one of the highest-drafted Austrian players in NHL history.
Although Marielle has been identified in family coverage, reliable public information about her current occupation and relationships is limited.
Marco Rossi’s Family Support During His Health Challenges
One of the most difficult periods in Marco Rossi’s life occurred after he developed myocarditis following a COVID-19 infection.
The heart condition forced him to temporarily stop playing hockey and return to Austria for medical treatment and recovery.
During this period, Rossi relied heavily on his parents, sisters, and girlfriend.
His father, Michael, welcomed him home and helped him navigate the emotional challenges associated with his condition.
His parents remained closely involved in his recovery, providing a supportive environment while he rested and gradually regained his health.
Rossi also spent time walking, watching documentaries, and completing puzzles with his parents.
His relationship with Stefanie developed during this period, giving him additional companionship and emotional support.
After several months of recovery, Rossi received medical clearance to resume physical activity and eventually returned to competitive hockey.
He made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild on January 6, 2022, against the Boston Bruins.
Throughout subsequent interviews, Rossi has emphasized that his family’s encouragement helped him overcome the challenges of his recovery.
Marco Rossi’s Family Background and Childhood
Marco Rossi grew up in Feldkirch, a city in Austria’s Vorarlberg region near the Swiss border.
His family was strongly connected to sports. His father was a professional ice hockey player, while his older sisters participated in tennis.
Marco began skating at approximately three years old and developed his early hockey skills through the VEU Feldkirch organization.
As his abilities improved, his parents recognized that he needed stronger competition and additional development opportunities.
He eventually moved into the Swiss hockey system, representing GCK Lions and developing through the Zurich organization.
In 2018, he relocated to Canada to join the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League.
During the 2019–20 season, Rossi became one of the league’s outstanding players, recording 120 points in 56 games.
His performances helped him become the ninth overall selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, when the Minnesota Wild chose him in the first round.
After establishing himself in the NHL, Rossi joined the Vancouver Canucks in December 2025 as part of the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
Despite moving to North America for his career, he has maintained strong connections to Austria.
Rossi has expressed his desire to return to his home country after retirement, explaining that Austria remains an important part of his family’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marco Rossi’s Family
Who is Marco Rossi’s wife?
Marco Rossi’s wife is Stefanie Prast, an Austrian woman from Vorarlberg. The couple married in June 2026 after maintaining a relationship for several years.
Who was Marco Rossi’s girlfriend?
Marco Rossi previously dated Stefanie Prast, whom he met through his older sister Estelle during his recovery from a heart condition. Stefanie is now his wife.
Does Marco Rossi have children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that Marco Rossi and his wife Stefanie have children.
Who is Marco Rossi’s father?
His father is Michael Rossi, a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played for approximately 20 years in Austria, primarily with VEU Feldkirch.
Who is Marco Rossi’s mother?
His mother is Claudia Rossi, who helped raise Marco and his two older sisters while supporting their sporting ambitions.
Does Marco Rossi have siblings?
Yes. Marco Rossi has two older sisters named Estelle Rossi and Marielle Rossi. Both played tennis during their younger years.
How did Marco Rossi meet his wife?
Marco Rossi met Stefanie Prast through his older sister, Estelle, who worked at the same bank as Stefanie. Their relationship began while Marco was recovering from myocarditis in Austria.
When did Marco Rossi get married?
Marco Rossi married Stefanie Prast in June 2026. Their civil wedding took place in Dornbirn, Austria, and they later celebrated near Lake Como, Italy.
Where did Marco Rossi grow up?
Marco Rossi grew up in Feldkirch, Austria, where his father played professional hockey. He later developed through the Swiss hockey system before moving to Canada.
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.
