Zemgus Girgensons Family: Wife, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders

Zemgus Girgensons is a Latvian professional ice hockey player known for his career with the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 5, 1994, in Riga, Latvia, Girgensons has become one of his country’s most recognizable hockey players.

Beyond his professional achievements, Zemgus Girgensons is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Katie Sullivan, now known as Katie Girgensons, and the couple has three children: Hadlee Mara, Lucas, and Kinsley.

Girgensons also comes from a hockey-oriented Latvian family. His parents are Aldis and Ina Girgensons, and he has an older sister named Annija Girgensone.

Here is everything publicly known about Zemgus Girgensons’ wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Wife: Who Is Katie Sullivan?

Zemgus Girgensons is married to Katie Sullivan, an American woman who has been part of his life since the early years of his professional hockey career.

Katie, who now uses the name Katie Girgensons, previously attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she was involved in cheerleading.

The couple began dating before Girgensons established himself as a regular NHL player. Their relationship developed while he was building his professional career with the Buffalo Sabres.

After several years together, Zemgus and Katie became engaged in 2018.

They married on July 27, 2019, and have continued sharing important milestones in their lives, including the births of their three children.

Katie has supported her husband’s professional hockey career while raising their family. She has occasionally shared family photographs and updates through social media.

Although the couple lives in the United States, they have maintained connections to Girgensons’ native Latvia.

In June 2023, Katie shared photographs from a family visit to Latvia, where their children experienced their father’s homeland and met relatives.

The family visited several locations, including the Baltic Sea coast, during their trip.

How Many Children Does Zemgus Girgensons Have?

Zemgus Girgensons has three children with his wife, Katie Girgensons: two daughters and one son.

The couple welcomed their first child in January 2021, their second child in May 2022, and their third child in June 2025.

The birth of their youngest daughter was publicly announced in July 2025, bringing their family to five members.

Hadlee Mara Girgensons: Zemgus Girgensons’ First Daughter

Hadlee Mara Girgensons is the first child of Zemgus and Katie Girgensons.

She was born on January 25, 2021.

The Latvian hockey player announced her arrival on Instagram, expressing his happiness at becoming a father for the first time.

Her middle name, Mara, has special significance within the Girgensons family.

According to Latvian publication Jauns.lv, the name honors Zemgus’ paternal grandmother, Māra Girgensone, an accomplished Latvian academic who worked in medical biochemistry.

Hadlee’s birth was an important milestone for the couple, coming during a period when Zemgus was playing for the Buffalo Sabres.

Lucas Girgensons: Zemgus Girgensons’ Son

Lucas Girgensons is the second child and only publicly identified son of Zemgus Girgensons and his wife, Katie.

He was born on May 18, 2022.

Lucas joined his older sister, Hadlee, expanding the Girgensons family to four members.

In 2023, the family traveled to Latvia, where Lucas celebrated his first birthday and met several relatives for the first time.

Katie shared photographs of the family enjoying outdoor activities and exploring Zemgus’ home country.

Kinsley Girgensons: Zemgus Girgensons’ Youngest Daughter

Kinsley Girgensons is the youngest publicly known child of Zemgus and Katie Girgensons.

She was born on June 29, 2025.

The couple announced her arrival in early July 2025 through social media photographs celebrating the newest member of their family.

Latvian news outlet TV3 reported the birth on July 8, 2025, confirming that Kinsley was the couple’s third child.

She joined her older sister, Hadlee, and brother, Lucas.

The announcement attracted attention from Latvian hockey fans, who congratulated Girgensons and his wife on their growing family.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Parents

Zemgus Girgensons was born to Aldis Girgensons and Ina Girgensons in Riga, Latvia.

He grew up in a family with strong ties to ice hockey, particularly through his father, who previously played competitive hockey and later worked in the sport.

His parents supported his ambitions from childhood and helped him pursue opportunities in North America.

Both parents attended the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when Girgensons was selected by the Buffalo Sabres.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Father: Aldis Girgensons

Aldis Girgensons is Zemgus Girgensons’ father and a former Latvian ice hockey player.

He played as a defenseman in Latvian hockey before becoming involved in coaching and team management.

Aldis helped introduce Zemgus to ice hockey at a young age.

According to an interview with Latvian coach Edmunds Vasiļjevs published by LA.LV, Aldis brought his son to hockey training when Zemgus was approximately five years old.

Vasiļjevs had previously played hockey alongside Aldis in Latvia, giving him familiarity with the family’s sporting background.

Aldis later worked in Japanese ice hockey, including a management position with the East Hokkaido Cranes.

In a 2020 interview with LA.LV, Aldis discussed his work in Japan and how the family maintained connections despite living in different countries.

His involvement in hockey provided Zemgus with early exposure to the sport and an understanding of the commitment required to become a professional player.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Mother: Ina Girgensons

Ina Girgensons is Zemgus Girgensons’ mother.

She has been an important supporter of her son’s hockey career, accompanying him to tournaments and significant professional milestones.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) identified Ina among the family members who traveled to Pittsburgh for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

At that event, Zemgus became the first Latvian-born player selected in the first round of the NHL Draft.

Ina attended alongside her husband Aldis, daughter Annija, and other relatives.

Although she has largely remained outside the public spotlight, her presence at important moments in Zemgus’ career reflects the family’s support.

Reliable public information about Ina’s occupation and other personal details is limited.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?

Zemgus Girgensons has one publicly identified sibling, his older sister, Annija Girgensone.

There are no reliably documented reports identifying any brothers.

Annija Girgensone: Zemgus Girgensons’ Older Sister

Annija Girgensone is Zemgus Girgensons’ older sister.

Like their parents, Annija has supported Zemgus throughout his hockey career.

She was among the family members who attended the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh, where her younger brother was selected 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

Annija has also maintained connections to the family’s roots in Latvia.

According to a February 2022 article published by Jauns.lv, Annija and Zemgus inherited shares of their paternal grandfather’s property near Trikāta, Latvia.

The article reported that Zemgus transferred his share of the family property to Annija following his 2020 contract extension with Buffalo.

Although Annija has been mentioned in Latvian news coverage, she maintains a relatively private life, and details about her occupation and personal relationships are not widely documented.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Grandparents and Latvian Family Roots

Zemgus Girgensons has strong family connections to Trikāta, a historic community in Latvia.

His paternal grandfather was Jānis Girgensons, who owned a rural property in the Trikāta area.

His paternal grandmother, Māra Girgensone, was an academic who specialized in medical biochemistry.

She worked at Riga Stradiņš University and received recognition for her contributions to scientific research and higher education.

In 2011, she was awarded the Cross of Recognition for her professional achievements.

The Girgensons family maintained connections to their grandparents’ rural home, which represented an important part of their Latvian heritage.

Zemgus and Katie honored his grandmother by giving their first daughter the middle name Mara.

These family traditions remain meaningful even as Girgensons has spent much of his professional career living in North America.

Zemgus Girgensons’ Family Background and Early Life

Zemgus Girgensons was born and raised in Riga, Latvia, where he developed an interest in ice hockey at an early age.

With encouragement from his father and family, he began training under Latvian coach Edmunds Vasiļjevs.

In 2009, Girgensons moved to North America to pursue better opportunities in junior hockey.

He played for the Green Mountain Glades in Vermont before joining the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

He helped Dubuque win the Clark Cup championship in 2011 and eventually became team captain.

His performances attracted NHL scouts, leading the Buffalo Sabres to select him with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

He made his NHL debut in 2013 and became an NHL All-Star in 2015.

After spending 11 seasons with Buffalo, Girgensons signed a three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in July 2024.

Throughout his career, his parents, sister, wife, and children have remained an important part of his life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zemgus Girgensons’ Family

Who is Zemgus Girgensons’ girlfriend?

Zemgus Girgensons is married to his longtime partner, Katie Sullivan, now known as Katie Girgensons. The couple married in July 2019.

Who is Zemgus Girgensons’ wife?

His wife is Katie Girgensons, formerly Katie Sullivan. She previously attended the University of Pittsburgh and was involved in cheerleading.

When did Zemgus Girgensons get married?

Zemgus Girgensons and Katie Sullivan married on July 27, 2019, following several years of dating.

How many children does Zemgus Girgensons have?

Zemgus Girgensons has three children with his wife, Katie: two daughters, Hadlee and Kinsley, and a son, Lucas.

Who are Zemgus Girgensons’ parents?

His parents are Aldis Girgensons and Ina Girgensons. His father is a former hockey player who has also worked in coaching and hockey management.

Does Zemgus Girgensons have siblings?

Yes. Zemgus Girgensons has an older sister named Annija Girgensone.

Does Zemgus Girgensons have a brother?

There are no verified public reports identifying a brother. His only publicly documented sibling is his sister, Annija.

Where is Zemgus Girgensons’ family from?

Zemgus Girgensons was born in Riga, Latvia. His paternal family also has roots in the Trikāta area of Latvia.

Who is Zemgus Girgensons’ father?

His father is Aldis Girgensons, a former Latvian hockey defenseman who later worked in hockey development and team management.

When was Zemgus Girgensons’ third child born?

His third child, daughter Kinsley Girgensons, was born on June 29, 2025. The family publicly announced her arrival in July 2025.