Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Andrew Brunette is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former NHL player who serves as the head coach of the Nashville Predators. Born on August 24, 1973, in Valley East, Ontario, Canada, Brunette enjoyed a successful 16-season NHL playing career before transitioning into coaching.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brunette comes from a close-knit Canadian family. His wife, Lorie Brunette, has been part of his life since childhood, while his parents, Dan and Sue Brunette, supported his hockey ambitions from an early age.
Andrew also has two publicly identified siblings: a younger brother named Jamie Brunette and a sister named Kerry Brunette.
Andrew Brunette’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Andrew Brunette is married to Lorie Brunette, his longtime partner whom he first met during childhood in Ontario.
The couple have maintained a relationship throughout Andrew’s extensive career as a professional hockey player, NHL executive, and coach.
Lorie has generally avoided extensive media attention, preferring to maintain privacy regarding her personal life.
However, her identity and relationship with Andrew have been confirmed in interviews published by the Minnesota Star Tribune and The Tennessean.
Who Is Lorie Brunette?
Lorie Brunette is a Canadian woman best known as the wife of Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette.
She shares her husband’s connection to northern Ontario, particularly the Greater Sudbury region, where Andrew grew up.
Although Lorie has appeared in hockey-related family coverage, her professional occupation, education, and exact date of birth have not been reliably documented in major sports publications.
She has supported Andrew throughout his playing and coaching careers, which have required considerable travel and relocations across North America.
How Did Andrew Brunette Meet His Wife Lorie?
Andrew Brunette first met Lorie when he was approximately 12 years old.
In a detailed February 2011 profile published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Brunette recalled meeting his future wife during a public skating session in the Sudbury area.
The event included an activity in which boys were encouraged to find a girl and skate around the rink while holding hands.
Andrew and Lorie participated together.
Years later, Brunette humorously recalled the experience while discussing his reputation as a relatively slow skater.
The childhood memory demonstrated that their connection began long before Andrew established himself as a professional hockey player.
Although the couple eventually married, their exact wedding date has not been consistently documented in reliable public sources.
Lorie Brunette’s Support During Andrew’s NHL Career
Lorie was part of Andrew’s life during his years as an NHL player.
In February 2011, she was among the family members invited to attend a special ceremony celebrating his 1,000th NHL game.
At the time, Andrew was playing for the Minnesota Wild.
His parents, Dan and Sue, and younger brother Jamie were also expected to attend the event.
The milestone recognized an impressive achievement for a player who had entered the NHL as a seventh-round draft selection.
Lorie subsequently remained part of Andrew’s life as he transitioned from professional hockey into coaching and management.
Andrew and Lorie Brunette’s Love of Outdoor Activities
Andrew and Lorie share an enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, particularly camping and canoeing.
In an October 2, 2024, interview with The Tennessean, Andrew described their tradition of taking weeklong wilderness trips in Ontario.
During these trips, the couple travel through remote Canadian landscapes while carrying camping equipment and other essential supplies.
They deliberately disconnect from modern technology, allowing them to spend time together away from professional hockey.
Andrew recalled one trip when their camping stove stopped working, forcing them to gather firewood to prepare meals.
He described such experiences as opportunities to adapt to unexpected challenges.
These wilderness adventures also reflect the influence of Andrew’s father, who encouraged outdoor activities during his childhood.
Andrew Brunette’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There are no publicly confirmed reports identifying children of Andrew Brunette and his wife Lorie.
Although the couple have been married for many years, reliable NHL biographies and major sports interviews have not publicly established the names or number of any sons or daughters.
Brunette has generally maintained privacy regarding this aspect of his personal life.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to invent children’s names or definitively state that the couple have no children.
The appropriate description is that Andrew Brunette’s parental status has not been publicly confirmed.
Andrew Brunette’s Parents
Andrew Brunette was born to Dan Brunette and Sue Brunette in Ontario, Canada.
His parents raised him in Valley East, a community near Sudbury known for its strong hockey culture and surrounding natural landscapes.
Both parents supported Andrew’s development from youth hockey through his professional playing career.
Their names were confirmed in a February 2011 Minnesota Star Tribune profile by hockey journalist Michael Russo.
Andrew Brunette’s Father: Dan Brunette
Andrew Brunette’s father is Dan Brunette, a Canadian man who worked for Natural Resources Canada.
His professional background and influence on Andrew’s childhood were documented in an October 2024 profile published by The Tennessean.
Dan developed an appreciation for the natural environment and outdoor recreational activities.
He encouraged his children to explore the lakes, forests, and wilderness surrounding their hometown.
These activities became an important part of Andrew’s upbringing.
How Dan Brunette Influenced Andrew’s Childhood
Growing up in Valley East, Andrew spent considerable time participating in hockey and outdoor activities.
His father encouraged fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping.
The region’s extensive lakes and forests provided opportunities for the family to enjoy recreational activities throughout the year.
According to The Tennessean, Andrew developed a strong appreciation for the outdoors through these experiences.
That appreciation continued into adulthood and influenced the wilderness trips he later enjoyed with his wife, Lorie.
Dan also supported Andrew’s interest in competitive hockey.
The future NHL player developed his skills through minor hockey programs in the Sudbury area before joining the Owen Sound Platers of the Ontario Hockey League.
Dan Brunette’s Support During His Son’s NHL Career
Dan remained closely connected to Andrew’s professional achievements.
In February 2011, he was among the relatives invited to celebrate Andrew’s 1,000th NHL game with the Minnesota Wild.
The occasion represented a significant milestone for both father and son.
Andrew had entered the NHL despite concerns from scouts about his skating speed and had subsequently built a lengthy, productive career.
Dan also maintained close relationships with his other children.
During a November 2014 Minnesota Wild family event, Andrew’s brother Jamie described how both brothers shared personality traits with their father.
The observation reflected their family connection and shared sense of humor.
Andrew Brunette Returns Home for a Family Emergency
In April 2025, Andrew temporarily stepped away from his responsibilities as Nashville Predators head coach because his father required urgent medical attention in Ontario.
The Predators announced that Brunette had left the team to be with his family.
He missed two games before returning to coaching duties on April 10, 2025.
In a public statement, Andrew thanked the Nashville organization, coaching staff, players, and supporters for allowing him to spend time with his relatives.
The family did not publicly disclose extensive medical details, and further speculation about Dan’s health would be inappropriate.
Andrew Brunette’s Mother: Sue Brunette
Andrew Brunette’s mother is Sue Brunette, who helped raise her children in the Greater Sudbury region of Ontario.
Her identity was confirmed in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s coverage of Andrew’s 1,000th NHL game in February 2011.
She was among the family members invited to attend the special celebration.
Sue supported Andrew throughout his childhood and professional hockey career.
However, she has maintained a relatively private public profile.
Reliable sports publications have not extensively documented her occupation, educational background, date of birth, or other personal information.
Although she rarely appears in media interviews, her participation in important family celebrations confirms her connection to Andrew’s professional journey.
Andrew Brunette’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Andrew Brunette has two publicly confirmed siblings: a younger brother named Jamie Brunette and a sister named Kerry Brunette.
Their identities were documented in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s February 2011 profile of Andrew.
Jamie later appeared in additional coverage of the Minnesota Wild’s annual fathers’ trip.
1. Jamie Brunette – Andrew Brunette’s Younger Brother
Jamie Brunette is the younger brother of NHL coach Andrew Brunette.
He grew up in the Sudbury area alongside Andrew and their sister Kerry.
Like his older brother, Jamie shares personality traits with their father, Dan.
In a November 23, 2014, article published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Jamie discussed his relationship with Andrew during a Minnesota Wild team trip.
Jamie Brunette Attends the Minnesota Wild’s Family Trip
In November 2014, Jamie accompanied the Minnesota Wild during a road trip to Tampa, Florida.
The organization invited fathers, brothers, and other important family members to experience life around an NHL team.
Jamie attended alongside relatives of other Minnesota coaches, including Paul Yeo and Dan Hendrickson.
The group observed team practices and participated in activities designed to give family members insight into the coaching staff’s daily responsibilities.
During the event, Jamie noted that he and Andrew had similar personalities and a sense of humor inherited from their father.
The article also highlighted the pride he felt in his brother’s professional achievements.
Jamie’s occupation and other personal details have not been widely documented in reliable sports media.
2. Kerry Brunette – Andrew Brunette’s Sister
Kerry Brunette is Andrew Brunette’s sister.
Her identity was confirmed in a February 2011 Minnesota Star Tribune article about Andrew’s 1,000th NHL game.
According to the report, Kerry was unable to attend the ceremony celebrating her brother’s milestone.
However, she was specifically mentioned alongside Andrew’s parents, wife, and brother as part of his family.
Unlike Andrew and Jamie, Kerry has not been prominently featured in major sports publications.
Her occupation, age, relationship status, and other personal information have not been independently established.
There is also insufficient information to determine whether Kerry is older or younger than Andrew.
Andrew Brunette’s Family Background and Childhood
Andrew Brunette was born on August 24, 1973, and grew up in Valley East, Ontario, a community near Sudbury.
His hometown was known for its strong hockey culture, industrial background, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
During childhood, Andrew spent considerable time playing hockey while enjoying canoeing, fishing, and other activities encouraged by his father.
He developed his skills through the Rayside-Balfour minor hockey system.
Although he was talented offensively, some coaches and scouts questioned whether his skating ability would allow him to succeed professionally.
In 1990, the Owen Sound Platers selected him in the seventh round of the Ontario Hockey League draft.
The selection was disappointing because Andrew had hoped to join his hometown Sudbury Wolves.
Nevertheless, he used the experience as motivation.
During the 1992–93 season, Brunette recorded 162 points with Owen Sound and won the Ontario Hockey League scoring title.
In June 1993, the Washington Capitals selected him 174th overall in the seventh round of the NHL Entry Draft.
He began his professional career in the minor leagues and won the Calder Cup with the Portland Pirates in 1994 under coach Barry Trotz.
Brunette subsequently established himself in the NHL, playing for the Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks.
He played 1,110 NHL regular-season games, recording 268 goals and 465 assists for 733 points.
One of his most memorable achievements occurred on April 22, 2003, when he scored the overtime winner against Patrick Roy, helping Minnesota defeat Colorado in Game 7 of their playoff series.
Brunette retired as a player in February 2013 and began working in hockey operations and coaching.
He later served as interim head coach of the Florida Panthers, guiding the team to the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2021–22 season.
After spending the 2022–23 season as an associate coach with the New Jersey Devils, he became Nashville’s head coach on May 31, 2023.
In June 2026, Nashville general manager Chris MacFarland confirmed that Brunette would continue coaching the Predators for the 2026–27 NHL season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Brunette’s Family
Who is Andrew Brunette’s wife?
Andrew Brunette is married to Lorie Brunette, whom he first met at a public skating event when he was approximately 12 years old.
How did Andrew Brunette meet his wife?
Andrew met Lorie during a public skating session in the Sudbury area. He recalled their childhood meeting during a February 2011 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune.
When did Andrew Brunette get married?
Andrew and Lorie Brunette have been married for many years, but their exact wedding date has not been independently confirmed in reliable public sources.
Does Andrew Brunette have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports identifying children of Andrew Brunette and his wife Lorie. The couple maintain privacy regarding this aspect of their family life.
Who is Andrew Brunette’s father?
His father is Dan Brunette, who worked for Natural Resources Canada and encouraged Andrew’s interest in outdoor activities and hockey.
Who is Andrew Brunette’s mother?
His mother is Sue Brunette, who helped raise the family in northern Ontario and attended important milestones during Andrew’s NHL career.
Does Andrew Brunette have siblings?
Yes. Andrew Brunette has a younger brother named Jamie Brunette and a sister named Kerry Brunette.
Who is Andrew Brunette’s brother?
His younger brother is Jamie Brunette, who participated in a Minnesota Wild family trip in November 2014.
Who is Andrew Brunette’s sister?
His sister is Kerry Brunette. She was publicly identified in a February 2011 Minnesota Star Tribune profile about Andrew’s 1,000th NHL game.
What happened to Andrew Brunette’s father in 2025?
In April 2025, Dan Brunette required urgent medical attention in Ontario. Andrew temporarily left the Nashville Predators to be with his family before returning to coaching duties on April 10.
Where is Andrew Brunette’s family from?
Andrew Brunette’s family is from Valley East in the Greater Sudbury region of Ontario, Canada.
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.
