Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Jake Guentzel is an American professional ice hockey player best known for his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 6, 1994, in Omaha, Nebraska, Guentzel grew up in a family with deep connections to ice hockey.
Beyond his successful NHL career, Guentzel is a husband and father. He is married to Natalie Johnson, also known as Natalie Guentzel, and the couple has two children, Charlie and Carson.
His parents are Mike and Sally Guentzel, and he has two older brothers, Ryan and Gabe Guentzel. All three brothers played competitive hockey, following the sporting tradition established by their father.
Here is a closer look at Jake Guentzel’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jake Guentzel’s Wife: Who Is Natalie Johnson?
Jake Guentzel is married to Natalie Johnson, who is also known as Natalie Guentzel.
Natalie is a former college soccer player who attended the University of Nebraska Omaha, the same university where Jake played college hockey.
The couple met during their time at the university and developed a relationship that continued as Jake pursued his professional hockey career.
After dating for several years, Jake and Natalie married in 2021. Their wedding attracted attention among Pittsburgh Penguins fans, with the team’s official social media accounts celebrating the occasion.
On August 18, 2021, CBS Pittsburgh reported that Guentzel had married his longtime girlfriend, sharing photographs from their wedding.
Natalie has supported her husband throughout his NHL career, including his successful years with the Pittsburgh Penguins and his transition to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The couple established their first family home in Pittsburgh, where Jake developed into one of the Penguins’ most productive forwards.
When Pittsburgh traded Jake to the Carolina Hurricanes in March 2024, Natalie and their son Charlie initially remained in Pittsburgh while he adjusted to his new team.
Later that year, Guentzel signed a seven-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, prompting the family to relocate to Florida.
In December 2025, Jake spoke positively about life in Tampa, explaining that the organization and city had provided a comfortable environment for his wife and children.
In November 2026, Natalie accompanied Jake and their two children to the University of Nebraska Omaha, where his former college hockey program retired his jersey.
The ceremony was particularly meaningful because Omaha was also where Jake and Natalie first met.
How Many Children Does Jake Guentzel Have?
Jake Guentzel has two publicly confirmed children with his wife, Natalie Guentzel.
Their children are Charlie Allen Guentzel and Carson Guentzel.
The couple welcomed Charlie in 2022 and their second child, Carson, in 2025.
Both children accompanied their parents to Jake’s jersey retirement ceremony at the University of Nebraska Omaha on November 6, 2026.
Charlie Allen Guentzel: Jake Guentzel’s First Son
Charlie Allen Guentzel is the first child of Jake Guentzel and his wife, Natalie.
He was born during the summer of 2022, while his father was playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In an October 2022 interview with DK Pittsburgh Sports, Jake discussed becoming a father for the first time.
He described fatherhood as an exciting new experience that brought additional responsibilities and changed his perspective on life outside professional hockey.
Guentzel also spoke about enjoying the opportunity to watch his son grow and develop.
When Jake was traded to Carolina in March 2024, Charlie remained in Pittsburgh with Natalie while the family prepared for the next stage of their lives.
In a November 2024 interview with The Hockey News, Guentzel discussed the family’s transition to Tampa Bay and how their relocation would affect Charlie.
Charlie has occasionally appeared with his parents at NHL-related family events and celebrations.
Carson Guentzel: Jake Guentzel’s Second Child
Carson Guentzel is the second child of Jake and Natalie Guentzel.
The couple welcomed Carson in 2025, during Jake’s first season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
On April 9, 2025, CBS Sports reported that Guentzel was temporarily away from the Lightning while awaiting the birth of his child.
By December 2025, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed that Jake and Natalie had two children, with their youngest approximately seven months old.
Carson’s name was publicly confirmed in November 2026 by Hurrdat Sports, which covered Jake’s return to the University of Nebraska Omaha for his jersey retirement ceremony.
The publication reported that both Charlie and Carson attended the event with their parents.
While Carson’s birth year and relationship to the family are publicly documented, an exact birth date has not been reliably established.
Jake Guentzel’s Parents
Jake Guentzel was born to Mike Guentzel and Sally Guentzel in Omaha, Nebraska.
He spent much of his childhood in Woodbury, Minnesota, where his father worked as a college hockey coach.
Both parents played important roles in his development, supporting his participation in youth hockey and encouraging him to pursue his ambitions.
Guentzel has repeatedly expressed gratitude for his parents’ sacrifices and their influence on his professional career.
Jake Guentzel’s Father: Mike Guentzel
Mike Guentzel is Jake Guentzel’s father and a former college hockey player, coach, and professional hockey scout.
Mike played college hockey at the University of Minnesota before beginning a coaching career.
He spent many years working with the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey program, serving as an assistant and associate head coach.
His coaching career also included positions with Colorado College, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and junior hockey organizations.
Mike’s involvement in hockey meant that Jake was exposed to the sport from a young age.
As a child, Jake frequently spent time around college hockey players and facilities while his father worked at Minnesota.
He even served as a stick boy for the Golden Gophers during a period when future NHL players, including Phil Kessel, were associated with the program.
In November 2016, Mike, Sally, and Jake’s brother Ryan attended Jake’s NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Rangers.
Jake scored twice in the game, creating a memorable moment for the family.
Mike later transitioned into professional scouting. In December 2024, the Tampa Bay Lightning identified him as a professional scout for the Utah Hockey Club.
Throughout his career, Mike has continued following his son’s progress and offering observations about his performance.
Jake Guentzel’s Mother: Sally Guentzel
Sally Guentzel is Jake Guentzel’s mother.
She raised Jake alongside his two older brothers, Ryan and Gabe, and supported their participation in competitive hockey.
Although Sally has generally maintained a private life, Jake has publicly acknowledged her contributions to his development.
In a January 2023 interview published by the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), Jake explained that his mother took care of him during periods when his father was away working as a hockey coach.
He recalled how Sally transported him to games and helped him manage the demands of youth hockey.
Her commitment was especially meaningful because all three sons were involved in the sport.
Sally also attended Jake’s NHL debut in November 2016, celebrating alongside other family members when he scored twice against the Rangers.
Jake has emphasized that he would not have reached the NHL without the encouragement and sacrifices of his parents.
Jake Guentzel’s Siblings: Meet His Two Older Brothers
Jake Guentzel has two older brothers, Ryan Guentzel and Gabe Guentzel.
He is the youngest of the three Guentzel brothers.
Both Ryan and Gabe played competitive hockey at the college level and served as important role models during Jake’s childhood.
According to the NHLPA, Jake’s brothers are approximately six and eight years older than him.
Growing up, Jake frequently competed against his older siblings, an experience that helped develop his determination and competitive personality.
Ryan Guentzel: Jake Guentzel’s Older Brother
Ryan Guentzel is one of Jake Guentzel’s older brothers and a former college hockey player.
Ryan played NCAA hockey at the University of Notre Dame, representing the Fighting Irish.
He subsequently pursued professional hockey opportunities before transitioning into a career outside the sport.
A 2017 Star Tribune profile identified Ryan as a real estate adviser.
Ryan has remained closely involved in Jake’s life and has publicly discussed his younger brother’s development as a professional athlete.
During Jake’s early years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ryan lived with him and helped him adjust to the demands of professional hockey.
In March 2024, Ryan spoke to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ official website following Jake’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes.
He reflected on how Jake had grown from a young hockey player into a successful professional athlete, husband, and father.
Ryan also expressed appreciation for the role Pittsburgh had played in his younger brother’s personal development.
Gabe Guentzel: Jake Guentzel’s Older Brother
Gabe Guentzel is Jake Guentzel’s other older brother.
Like Ryan and Jake, Gabe pursued competitive ice hockey from an early age.
He played junior hockey in the North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League before joining Colorado College.
At Colorado College, Gabe spent four seasons playing NCAA Division I hockey.
He later continued his career in professional hockey, including playing in Germany.
According to a May 2017 Star Tribune article, Gabe served as one of Jake’s training mentors and helped him prepare for the physical demands of professional hockey.
Gabe has remained an important part of Jake’s support system and the family’s shared hockey traditions.
In a 2024 interview with The Hockey News, Jake explained that he enjoyed spending summers in Minnesota, where his parents and older brothers lived nearby.
The family regularly spent time together around Lake Elmo, maintaining the close relationships established during childhood.
Jake Guentzel’s Family Background and Early Life
Jake Guentzel was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 6, 1994.
His father was working in junior hockey around the time of his birth, and the family later settled in Minnesota.
Jake grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota, surrounded by hockey through his father’s coaching career and his older brothers’ participation in the sport.
He attended Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, Minnesota, where he became a standout hockey player.
After playing junior hockey for the Sioux City Musketeers, Guentzel was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, 77th overall.
He subsequently attended the University of Nebraska Omaha, playing three seasons of college hockey from 2013 to 2016.
In 2015, he helped lead Omaha to an NCAA Frozen Four appearance.
Guentzel made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on November 21, 2016, scoring twice against the New York Rangers.
He later helped the Penguins win the 2017 Stanley Cup, contributing 21 points during the championship playoffs.
In March 2024, Pittsburgh traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes. He subsequently joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, signing a seven-year contract in July 2024.
Guentzel also represented the United States internationally and won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
On November 6, 2026, he returned to Omaha with his wife and children as the university retired his No. 20 jersey and honored his college hockey achievements.
The ceremony brought together important parts of his life: his family, his former university, and the city where he was born.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Guentzel’s Family
Who is Jake Guentzel’s wife?
Jake Guentzel is married to Natalie Johnson, also known as Natalie Guentzel. She is a former University of Nebraska Omaha soccer player.
Is Jake Guentzel married?
Yes. Jake Guentzel married his longtime girlfriend, Natalie Johnson, in 2021.
How did Jake Guentzel meet his wife?
Jake Guentzel met Natalie Johnson during their time at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he played hockey and she played soccer.
How many children does Jake Guentzel have?
Jake Guentzel has two children with his wife, Natalie. Their names are Charlie and Carson.
Who is Jake Guentzel’s first child?
His first child is Charlie Allen Guentzel, who was born during the summer of 2022.
Who is Jake Guentzel’s second child?
His second child is Carson Guentzel, born in 2025. Carson’s name was publicly confirmed in November 2026.
Who are Jake Guentzel’s parents?
Jake Guentzel’s parents are Mike Guentzel and Sally Guentzel. His father is a former college hockey player and coach who later worked as an NHL scout.
Does Jake Guentzel have siblings?
Yes. Jake Guentzel has two older brothers, Ryan Guentzel and Gabe Guentzel. Both played college hockey.
Does Jake Guentzel have a sister?
No sister has been publicly identified. Official biographies consistently describe Jake as the youngest of three brothers.
Where is Jake Guentzel’s family from?
Jake Guentzel was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota. His family has strong connections to Minnesota hockey.
Who is Jake Guentzel’s father?
His father is Mike Guentzel, a former Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey player and longtime college hockey coach.
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.
