Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Brady Skjei is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 26, 1994, in Lakeville, Minnesota, Skjei is known for his excellent skating, defensive abilities, and successful career with the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Nashville Predators.
Beyond his professional hockey career, Skjei is a husband and father. His wife, Gracia Bonesho Skjei, is a registered nurse, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Baker, in October 2025.
His parents, Scott and Michele Skjei, supported his development from childhood, while his older brother, Ramsey Skjei, is another important member of his family. Brady also comes from an athletic family with connections to college football and professional skating instruction.
Brady Skjei’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Brady Skjei is married to Gracia Bonesho Skjei, an American registered nurse. The couple married in August 2021 after maintaining a longtime romantic relationship.
Before their wedding, Gracia was Brady’s girlfriend and later his fiancée.
The couple developed their relationship while Brady was pursuing his hockey career and Gracia was completing her education and establishing herself in the nursing profession.
They have supported each other through relocations involving New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Who Is Gracia Bonesho Skjei?
Gracia Bonesho Skjei is an American healthcare professional originally from Minnesota.
She attended Lakeville North High School, where she participated in girls’ soccer.
After graduating from high school in 2012, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and pursued a degree in nursing.
She subsequently became a registered nurse, working in the healthcare industry while Brady established his professional NHL career.
According to a 2020 interview published by the Carolina Hurricanes, Gracia worked in a postpartum mother-and-baby unit at a New York City hospital.
Her work became particularly demanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were experiencing significant pressure.
Brady publicly expressed admiration for her dedication and the efforts of healthcare workers during that period.
How Did Brady Skjei Meet Gracia Bonesho?
Brady Skjei and Gracia Bonesho knew each other during their younger years in Minnesota.
Both attended Lakeville North High School, giving them a shared connection to the same community.
According to published relationship profiles, the couple began dating around January 2013.
At the time, Brady was attending the University of Minnesota and developing his hockey career.
Gracia was pursuing her nursing education.
Despite demanding academic and professional schedules, their relationship continued.
When Brady began playing professionally for the New York Rangers organization, the couple maintained their connection while adjusting to new responsibilities.
Brady Skjei and Gracia Bonesho’s Engagement
After several years together, Brady and Gracia became engaged.
Their engagement was publicly confirmed before March 2020.
On March 24, 2020, Brady celebrated Gracia’s birthday with a social media message identifying her as his fiancée.
In April 2020, the Carolina Hurricanes also confirmed their engagement during an interview between Skjei and musician Pat Monahan.
During that conversation, Brady discussed Gracia’s work as a nurse in New York City.
He explained that she was working in a hospital mother-and-baby unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The interview demonstrated how the couple supported each other’s professional responsibilities.
When Did Brady Skjei Get Married?
Brady Skjei and Gracia Bonesho married in early August 2021.
The Carolina Hurricanes publicly congratulated the couple following their wedding.
The ceremony brought together family members and friends who celebrated their longtime relationship.
Photographs from the occasion showed Brady wearing a blue suit and Gracia wearing a white wedding gown.
After their marriage, Gracia became publicly known as Gracia Skjei.
The couple subsequently established their married life in North Carolina while Brady played for the Hurricanes.
In July 2024, they began another chapter when Brady signed with the Nashville Predators.
Brady Skjei’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Brady Skjei and his wife Gracia have one publicly confirmed child, a son named Baker Skjei.
Baker was born in late October 2025, during Brady’s second season with the Nashville Predators.
His arrival marked an important milestone in the couple’s relationship.
1. Baker Skjei – Brady Skjei’s Son
Baker Skjei is the first publicly confirmed child of Brady and Gracia Skjei.
He was born in October 2025.
The couple announced that they were expecting their first child in May 2025.
At the time, Brady was completing his first season with the Nashville Predators.
The pregnancy announcement was celebrated by fans and members of the hockey community.
On October 9, 2025, the Nashville Predators published an episode of their official podcast featuring Skjei.
During the conversation, he discussed preparing to become a father while getting ready for the 2025–26 NHL season.
Later that month, Gracia gave birth to their son, Baker.
The Predators subsequently acknowledged the newest member of the Skjei family through their social media channels.
How Fatherhood Changed Brady Skjei’s Life
Becoming a father added a new responsibility to Skjei’s life away from professional hockey.
Before Baker’s birth, Brady had spent several seasons balancing NHL travel commitments with married life.
The arrival of their son gave Brady and Gracia an opportunity to begin a new chapter as parents.
In the October 2025 Predators podcast, Brady spoke positively about the upcoming milestone and his excitement about fatherhood.
Further details about Baker’s personal life have appropriately remained private.
Brady Skjei’s Parents
Brady Skjei was born to Scott Skjei and Michele Skjei in Lakeville, Minnesota.
His parents raised Brady and his older brother Ramsey in a family that valued education, athletics, and personal development.
Both parents work in real estate, while Scott also has a background in collegiate football.
Their identities are confirmed by the University of Minnesota’s official athletics department and reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Brady Skjei’s Father: Scott Skjei
Brady Skjei’s father is Scott Skjei, a former collegiate football player and real estate professional.
Scott played football at Augsburg College, now known as Augsburg University, in Minnesota.
His sporting background helped establish an athletic environment for his two sons.
Scott later pursued a career in real estate, working alongside his wife Michele.
In a November 2022 interview with the Carolina Hurricanes, Brady confirmed that both parents worked in the real estate industry.
He explained that he enjoyed learning about properties and believed he might consider a similar career if he were not a professional hockey player.
Scott Skjei’s Influence on Brady’s Athletic Career
Scott encouraged Brady to participate in several sports during childhood.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on ice hockey, Brady also played football, baseball, and golf.
At Lakeville North High School, he played quarterback on the football team and competed in golf.
His family’s support allowed him to develop athletic abilities across different sports before ultimately specializing in hockey.
In a 2017 interview with The Hockey Writers, Brady recalled discussing a difficult decision with his parents when he was offered an opportunity to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Accepting the offer required him to move from Minnesota to Michigan as a teenager.
Although leaving his family and friends was difficult, Scott and Michele supported his decision.
The move became an important step toward his professional hockey career.
Brady Skjei’s Mother: Michele Skjei
Brady Skjei’s mother is Michele Skjei, an American real estate professional from Minnesota.
She raised Brady and Ramsey alongside her husband Scott.
Michele has maintained a close relationship with Brady throughout his hockey career.
In a Carolina Hurricanes Mother’s Day feature, Brady expressed appreciation for her encouragement and consistent support.
He explained that his mother continued communicating with him after games, offering encouragement rather than concentrating only on his performance.
Her support has remained important even as Brady’s professional career has taken him to different cities.
Michele Skjei’s Appearance on the Hurricanes’ Moms Trip
In January 2024, Michele participated in the Carolina Hurricanes’ annual mothers’ trip.
The event allowed players’ mothers to accompany the team and experience aspects of NHL life.
On January 26, 2024, NHL.com reported that Michele had been invited to announce Carolina’s starting lineup before a game against the Boston Bruins.
She enthusiastically read the players’ names in the locker room, receiving cheers from the team.
The moment became a memorable experience for both Michele and her son.
It also demonstrated the close relationship between the Hurricanes players and their families.
Brady Skjei’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Brady Skjei has one publicly confirmed sibling, an older brother named Ramsey Skjei.
Ramsey’s identity was confirmed in a June 2012 Minnesota Star Tribune profile published before Brady was selected in the NHL Entry Draft.
The brothers grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, where their family maintained strong connections to athletics.
No additional brothers or sisters have been reliably identified in major hockey publications.
1. Ramsey Skjei – Brady Skjei’s Older Brother
Ramsey Skjei is the older brother of Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei.
He grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, alongside Brady.
Like his younger brother, Ramsey attended the University of Minnesota.
His relationship to Brady is also confirmed by Elite Prospects and publicly available family records.
Ramsey has generally maintained a more private public profile than his NHL-playing brother.
Reliable sports sources provide limited information about his occupation, relationship status, or personal activities.
Ramsey Skjei’s Relationship With Brady
Ramsey and Brady grew up in a household where sports played an important role.
Their father had competed in college football, and their extended family included several former collegiate athletes.
Both brothers were part of the family celebrations surrounding Brady’s development as a promising hockey player.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Ramsey joined Scott, Michele, and other relatives in supporting Brady during the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Brady was eventually selected by the New York Rangers with the 28th overall pick.
The occasion represented an important family achievement and the beginning of Brady’s path toward the NHL.
Brady Skjei’s Extended Family and Athletic Background
Brady Skjei also has several relatives who competed in collegiate sports or worked in professional hockey development.
These family connections contributed to his interest in sports from childhood.
Stan Skjei – Brady Skjei’s Grandfather
Stan Skjei is Brady’s paternal grandfather.
He played football at the University of Minnesota and later became a longtime football coach at Bloomington Jefferson High School.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Stan’s background in athletics established an important sporting tradition within the family.
His grandson eventually followed that tradition by becoming a professional athlete.
Barry Karn – Brady Skjei’s Uncle
Barry Karn is Brady Skjei’s uncle by marriage and a respected skating instructor.
He has worked with several NHL organizations, helping players improve their skating technique.
Barry operates Karn Skating Dynamics with his wife, Jodi Karn, who is a member of the Skjei family.
According to a June 2012 Minnesota Star Tribune profile, Barry helped Brady develop his skating abilities from childhood.
He explained that Brady was introduced to skating at a very young age and consistently worked on improving his balance, agility, and speed.
Brady also worked at his uncle’s skating clinics during several summers.
These experiences helped establish skating as one of his greatest strengths as an NHL defenseman.
Jack Sadek – Brady Skjei’s Cousin
Jack Sadek is Brady Skjei’s cousin and a former collegiate ice hockey defenseman.
He played for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Jack was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
His father, Brett Sadek, also played football at the University of Minnesota.
Another cousin, Dani Sadek, is identified in family records.
The extended family’s accomplishments demonstrate the strong sporting traditions surrounding Brady’s upbringing.
Brady Skjei’s Family Background and Childhood
Brady Skjei was born and raised in Lakeville, Minnesota.
He comes from a family of Norwegian ancestry and grew up surrounded by relatives who enjoyed athletics.
Brady began playing hockey around the age of five.
He developed his skating skills with assistance from his uncle Barry Karn, who specialized in skating instruction.
During childhood, Brady also participated in football, golf, and baseball.
He later joined Lakeville North High School, where he became a standout hockey defenseman.
After his sophomore season, he moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
He helped the United States win gold at the 2012 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
In June 2012, the New York Rangers selected Skjei in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently attended the University of Minnesota, where he played three seasons of college hockey.
Skjei made his NHL debut with the Rangers on December 15, 2015.
After establishing himself as a regular defenseman, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in February 2020.
He became an important member of Carolina’s defensive lineup and recorded a career-high 47 points during the 2023–24 season.
On July 1, 2024, Skjei signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Nashville Predators.
In May 2025, he represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship and helped the national team win its first standalone world championship since 1933.
Later that year, he celebrated another important achievement when he and Gracia welcomed their son Baker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brady Skjei’s Family
Who is Brady Skjei’s wife?
Brady Skjei is married to Gracia Bonesho Skjei, an American registered nurse. They married in August 2021.
Who was Brady Skjei’s girlfriend?
Brady Skjei’s longtime girlfriend was Gracia Bonesho. The couple began dating around 2013, later became engaged, and married in 2021.
How many children does Brady Skjei have?
Brady Skjei has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Baker Skjei.
When was Brady Skjei’s son born?
Baker Skjei was born in late October 2025. His parents had announced the pregnancy earlier that year.
Who is Brady Skjei’s father?
His father is Scott Skjei, a former Augsburg College football player who works in real estate.
Who is Brady Skjei’s mother?
His mother is Michele Skjei, a real estate professional who has supported Brady throughout his hockey career.
Does Brady Skjei have siblings?
Yes. Brady Skjei has one publicly confirmed older brother named Ramsey Skjei.
Who is Brady Skjei’s brother?
His brother is Ramsey Skjei, who grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota.
Is Brady Skjei related to Jack Sadek?
Yes. Jack Sadek, a former University of Minnesota hockey defenseman, is Brady Skjei’s cousin.
Who is Brady Skjei’s uncle?
His uncle is Barry Karn, a skating instructor who has worked with several NHL organizations and helped Brady develop his skating skills.
What does Brady Skjei’s wife do for a living?
Gracia Skjei is a registered nurse. She previously worked in a postpartum mother-and-baby unit at a New York City hospital.
Where is Brady Skjei’s family from?
Brady Skjei’s family is from Lakeville, Minnesota, United States. His family has Norwegian ancestry and strong connections to athletics.
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.
