Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Ross Colton is an American professional ice hockey player who plays for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 11, 1996, in Robbinsville, New Jersey, Colton is best known for scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021.
Beyond his professional hockey career, Colton comes from a family with a strong athletic background. His parents, Robert and Kelly Colton, were competitive athletes, while his older brother, Robert Colton, pursued hockey as both a player and coach.
Colton’s personal life has also attracted attention, particularly his longtime relationship with Peyton Drift, whom he married in 2026.
Ross Colton’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Ross Colton is married to Peyton Drift, his longtime girlfriend and partner. The couple’s relationship dates back to approximately 2020, and their wedding took place during the summer of 2026.
Colton previously confirmed that he was in a relationship during an interview published by NHL.com in February 2022.
While discussing the NHL Stadium Series in Nashville, he mentioned spending time with his parents and his girlfriend’s parents, who had traveled to Tennessee for the event.
His longtime girlfriend was subsequently identified as Peyton Drift through publicly shared social media content and reports about their relationship.
Who Is Peyton Drift?
Peyton Drift is an American woman who has been publicly linked to Ross Colton since approximately 2020.
According to previously published biographical reports, Peyton attended Saint Joseph’s University and has worked in real estate.
She has also shared lifestyle content on social media, including fashion, travel, and experiences attending professional hockey games.
During Colton’s time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Peyton was associated with the team’s community of players’ partners and frequently supported him at games.
The couple maintained their relationship as Ross continued his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche and later joined the Nashville Predators.
Ross Colton and Peyton Drift’s Wedding
Ross Colton and Peyton Drift took an important step in their relationship in 2026.
In July 2026, the Nashville Predators published an interview in which Colton referred to his fiancée while discussing his excitement about joining the organization.
He explained that Steven Stamkos, his former Tampa Bay teammate, had contacted him following the trade and that Stamkos’ wife had also reached out to his fiancée.
A July 20, 2026, report by The Denver Gazette subsequently revealed that Colton was preparing for his wedding during the offseason.
A wedding gift registry published by Crate & Barrel identified the couple as Peyton Drift and Ross Colton and listed July 31, 2026, as their wedding-related date.
In August 2026, the Nashville Predators fan publication On the Forecheck reported that Colton had married during the preceding weekend.
These reports establish that the couple planned and celebrated their wedding during the summer of 2026, although the exact ceremony date is not consistently documented.
Peyton has continued to maintain a relatively private life despite her husband’s professional hockey career.
Ross Colton’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Ross Colton has children.
Although his marriage to Peyton Drift became public in 2026, neither Colton nor his NHL teams have publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
Available player biographies and interviews primarily discuss his relationship, parents, brother, and professional hockey career.
Therefore, his parental status should be described as not publicly confirmed rather than definitively stating that he has no children.
Ross Colton’s Parents
Ross Colton was born to Robert Colton and Kelly Colton in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
His parents were competitive athletes during their younger years and encouraged their sons to participate in sports.
Their identities are confirmed in Ross Colton’s official University of Vermont athletics biography and several interviews published by Community News in New Jersey.
Ross Colton’s Father: Robert “Rob” Colton
Ross Colton’s father is Robert Colton, commonly known as Rob Colton.
Rob was an accomplished high school athlete who participated in baseball and soccer at Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
He later played college baseball at Rider University and was recognized for his sporting achievements with induction into Steinert High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Although Rob was more closely associated with baseball than ice hockey, he encouraged his sons to participate in different sports.
Ross initially played both hockey and baseball before deciding to concentrate on his hockey career.
According to a 2016 Community News interview, his father supported that decision, recognizing that Ross had developed a particularly strong passion for hockey.
Rob also emphasized that his son’s personal development was as important as his athletic performance.
In June 2016, he was at home with Ross and his older son Robert when the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Ross in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft.
The family celebrated the news together, marking an important milestone in Ross’s journey toward professional hockey.
Five years later, Rob attended the decisive game of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final in Tampa Bay.
He watched alongside his older son Robert as Ross scored the game’s only goal against the Montreal Canadiens, securing the Stanley Cup for the Lightning.
Ross Colton’s Mother: Kelly Colton
Ross Colton’s mother is Kelly Colton, whose maiden name is Kelly Kiernan.
Kelly was an accomplished basketball player during her high school years at McCorristin Catholic High School in New Jersey.
Her athletic experience contributed to the family’s strong interest in sports.
Although neither parent had extensive experience with organized ice hockey when Ross began playing, they supported his passion and helped him pursue competitive opportunities.
Kelly played an important role in the decisions that shaped Ross’s development.
When he considered leaving New Jersey to pursue stronger competition at the Taft School in Connecticut, she and her husband supported his ambitions.
Later, when Ross joined the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League in Iowa, Kelly had concerns about him completing high school away from home.
Nevertheless, the family believed that the move would benefit his hockey development.
Kelly was also present during the 2016 NHL Draft celebrations.
According to Community News, she was outside the family’s home when Ross received news that Tampa Bay had selected him.
She returned inside and celebrated emotionally with her husband and sons.
Her encouragement has remained an important part of Ross’s personal and professional life.
Ross Colton’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Ross Colton has one publicly confirmed sibling, an older brother named Robert Colton.
The brothers share a close relationship and developed their love of hockey together while growing up in New Jersey.
Ross’s official University of Vermont athletics biography identifies Robert as his older brother.
No additional brothers or sisters have been reliably identified in the available public biographies.
1. Robert “Rob” Colton – Ross Colton’s Older Brother
Robert Colton, also known as Rob Colton, is the older brother of NHL forward Ross Colton.
Born on December 21, 1994, Robert is approximately two years older than Ross.
Like his younger brother, Robert developed a passion for ice hockey during childhood.
The brothers began playing hockey together in New Jersey, participating in youth programs and spending time practicing on the ice.
In a July 2021 NHL Players’ Association interview, Robert recalled playing alongside Ross on their first travel hockey team.
Because Ross was younger, he occasionally played in older age groups, allowing the brothers to compete together.
They later reunited as teammates at Princeton Day School, where Ross was a freshman and Robert was a junior.
Robert described those seasons as some of his favorite hockey memories, particularly because the brothers played on the same line and won New Jersey prep hockey championships.
Robert Colton’s Education and Coaching Career
Robert attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he continued playing hockey while studying economics and political science.
After completing his education, he began working in finance in New York City.
However, he missed being involved in competitive hockey and eventually returned to the sport through coaching.
He became an assistant coach with the Mercer Chiefs youth hockey organization in New Jersey.
In August 2021, Robert was appointed head coach of Villanova University’s club hockey team.
The appointment came shortly after Ross helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup.
Ross publicly expressed pride in his brother’s coaching appointment and confidence in his ability to succeed.
Robert’s coaching career demonstrates that both brothers remained closely connected to hockey, although they pursued different professional paths.
Ross and Robert Colton’s Close Relationship
Beyond their shared interest in hockey, Ross and Robert have maintained a strong relationship through recreational activities and family gatherings.
During his 2021 NHLPA interview, Robert explained that the brothers enjoyed fishing, playing golf, attending concerts, and spending time at the Jersey Shore.
The brothers even shared an apartment near the Jersey Shore during the offseason.
Robert was also among the family members who attended the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, witnessing Ross score the championship-winning goal.
He described the experience as an unforgettable moment for the entire Colton family.
Ross Colton’s Family Background and Childhood
Ross Colton grew up in Robbinsville, New Jersey, surrounded by family members who valued athletics and education.
His father played competitive baseball and soccer, while his mother was a high school basketball player.
Despite this background, Ross developed a particular interest in ice hockey.
He began rollerblading and playing street hockey at approximately three years old before starting organized ice hockey around age four.
Growing up, he supported the New Jersey Devils and admired NHL forward Zach Parise.
Ross attended Sharon Elementary School and Pond Road Middle School before continuing his education at Princeton Day School.
He later transferred to the Taft School in Connecticut to pursue more competitive hockey opportunities.
His development continued with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL.
In 2016, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him 118th overall in the NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently attended the University of Vermont, where he played two seasons of NCAA hockey.
In June 2018, Colton signed his first NHL contract with Tampa Bay.
During the university’s announcement, he publicly thanked his family for supporting him throughout his career.
After developing with the Syracuse Crunch in the American Hockey League, he made his NHL debut in February 2021.
His greatest early career achievement came on July 7, 2021, when he scored the only goal of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, helping Tampa Bay defeat Montreal and win the championship.
Colton later joined the Colorado Avalanche in 2023 before being traded to the Nashville Predators on June 16, 2026.
His journey from childhood hockey in New Jersey to becoming a Stanley Cup champion demonstrates the importance of his family’s encouragement and sacrifices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ross Colton’s Family
Who is Ross Colton’s wife?
Ross Colton’s wife is Peyton Drift. The couple were longtime partners before celebrating their wedding during the summer of 2026.
Who was Ross Colton’s girlfriend?
Ross Colton’s longtime girlfriend was Peyton Drift, whom he began dating around 2020. Their relationship progressed to an engagement and marriage in 2026.
When did Ross Colton get married?
Ross Colton married Peyton Drift during the summer of 2026. Wedding-related reports and a public gift registry place the celebration in late July or early August, although the precise ceremony date has not been independently established.
Does Ross Colton have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Ross Colton has children.
Who is Ross Colton’s father?
His father is Robert “Rob” Colton, a former baseball and soccer player who attended Steinert High School and played college baseball at Rider University.
Who is Ross Colton’s mother?
His mother is Kelly Colton, née Kiernan, a former high school basketball player at McCorristin Catholic High School in New Jersey.
Does Ross Colton have siblings?
Yes. Ross Colton has an older brother named Robert Colton, who also played hockey and later became a coach.
Who is Ross Colton’s brother?
His brother is Robert “Rob” Colton, a former collegiate hockey player who was appointed head coach of Villanova University’s club hockey team in August 2021.
Are Ross Colton and his brother close?
Yes. Ross and Robert Colton have maintained a close relationship since childhood. They played hockey together, shared an offseason apartment, and enjoy activities such as fishing and golfing.
Where is Ross Colton’s family from?
Ross Colton’s family is from Robbinsville, New Jersey, where he grew up and began his hockey career.
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.
