Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Jared McCann is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 31, 1996, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, McCann has established himself as one of the most important players in Seattle Kraken history.
Beyond his professional hockey career, McCann comes from a close-knit Canadian family that has played an essential role in his personal development. His parents, Matt and Erin McCann, encouraged his hockey ambitions from childhood, while his three older siblings, Jordan, Justin, and Jamie, helped shape his upbringing.
In his romantic life, McCann is married to his longtime partner, Valerie Vanderkuylen. The couple celebrated their wedding on July 11, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario.
Here is everything publicly known about Jared McCann’s wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Jared McCann’s Wife: Who Is Valerie Vanderkuylen?
Jared McCann is married to Valerie Vanderkuylen, also known as Val McCann. The couple married on July 11, 2024, after several years together.
Valerie grew up on a dairy farm in Ontario, Canada, not far from Jared’s hometown of Stratford.
Although she generally maintains a relatively private personal life, Valerie has appeared in official Seattle Kraken interviews discussing her relationship with Jared and their experiences together.
According to a February 2026 Seattle Kraken feature, the couple initially connected through mutual friends before meeting in person.
Their shared rural upbringing and appreciation for small-town life helped establish a strong connection.
How Did Jared McCann Meet His Wife?
Jared McCann and Valerie Vanderkuylen first met in person in November 2016.
Before their first date, they had communicated online and over the telephone after being introduced by mutual friends.
At the time, Jared was playing for the Florida Panthers in the NHL, while Valerie was living in Ontario.
For their first date, Jared invited Valerie to watch an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors.
Jared’s uncle, a Toronto police officer, helped arrange tickets for the game.
Valerie later recalled that she was 19 years old when they first met, while Jared had recently turned 20.
Despite the excitement of visiting Toronto, she appreciated Jared’s quiet personality and his connection to rural life.
The date became particularly memorable for the couple. Valerie kept the basketball tickets as a souvenir, displaying them in her former bedroom at her parents’ dairy farm.
Their relationship continued developing over the following years despite Jared’s demanding professional hockey schedule.
Jared McCann and Valerie Vanderkuylen’s Wedding
Jared McCann and Valerie Vanderkuylen married on July 11, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
According to the Seattle Kraken, their wedding reception took place at Graydon Hall Manor, a historic venue surrounded by gardens and landscaped terraces.
The wedding brought together family members, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the couple’s relationship.
One of the most emotional moments involved Jared’s mother, Erin McCann, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for decades.
Despite experiencing mobility difficulties, Erin was able to accompany her son down the aisle with support from Jared’s father, Matt.
Jared later explained how meaningful it was to share such an important moment with his mother.
The couple also included their pet Corgi, Cheddar, in the wedding celebrations.
Cheddar appeared in wedding photographs wearing a miniature formal collar and bow tie, attracting attention from NHL fans.
Following their wedding, Jared and Valerie enjoyed a honeymoon in Italy.
Valerie McCann’s Life With Jared
Valerie has continued supporting Jared throughout his career with the Seattle Kraken.
In February 2026, she spoke publicly about the physical challenges her husband had experienced while recovering from a persistent leg injury.
She explained that Jared had played through considerable discomfort during the previous NHL season and had worked hard to recover.
The couple enjoys spending time in Seattle and at their family farm in Ontario.
They also share a love of animals, particularly their Corgi, Cheddar.
In October 2026, Jared and Valerie participated in a visit to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelter in Lynnwood, Washington, bringing Cheddar along.
The activity reflected their shared interest in animal welfare and their attachment to their dog.
Does Jared McCann Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Jared McCann and his wife, Valerie, have children.
The Seattle Kraken forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and official team features published through October 2026 do not identify any children.
Although Jared and Valerie have established a family life together, they have kept many aspects of their private lives away from public attention.
The couple has frequently discussed their dog, Cheddar, whom they consider an important member of their household.
However, Cheddar is their family pet, not a child.
Therefore, there are no publicly confirmed children associated with Jared McCann.
Jared McCann’s Parents
Jared McCann was born to Matt McCann and Erin McCann in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
His parents operated a family construction and gravel business and raised four children in a rural environment.
Both parents supported Jared’s hockey development, although they contributed in different ways.
Jared McCann’s Father: Matt McCann
Matt McCann is Jared McCann’s father and a Canadian businessman from Stratford, Ontario.
According to a February 2026 Seattle Kraken feature, Matt owned a third-generation family construction and gravel company.
He raised Jared and his siblings on a large rural property where outdoor activities and sports were important parts of daily life.
Matt played a particularly important role in helping Jared develop his hockey skills.
During winter, he flooded part of the family’s property to create an outdoor ice rink.
As Jared grew older, Matt improved the rink by installing boards, allowing his son to practice in an environment resembling a competitive hockey rink.
During warmer months, he created an outdoor shooting area with nets and targets.
These facilities allowed Jared to practice hockey throughout the year.
According to the Seattle Kraken, Jared regularly practiced approximately 1,000 shots per week as a young player.
The dedication demonstrated the family’s commitment to helping him pursue his professional ambitions.
Matt McCann’s Support Throughout Jared’s Career
Matt continued supporting Jared as he progressed through junior hockey and eventually reached the NHL.
His encouragement remained important when Jared played for several different NHL teams before establishing himself with Seattle.
In July 2024, Matt accompanied his wife Erin as they walked Jared down the aisle at his wedding.
Another meaningful family experience occurred during the Seattle Kraken’s Dads and Mentors Trip in the 2025–26 NHL season.
Matt traveled to watch his son play and spend time with other players’ fathers and mentors.
During that trip, Jared suffered an injury in a game against the Nashville Predators.
Matt witnessed the incident and later discussed the concern he felt watching his son leave the ice.
Despite the challenges associated with professional hockey, Matt has remained an important figure in Jared’s life.
Jared McCann’s Mother: Erin McCann
Erin McCann is Jared McCann’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.
She has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease affecting the central nervous system, since she was approximately 18 years old.
According to the Seattle Kraken, Erin was initially advised against having children because of concerns surrounding her condition.
She and Matt subsequently adopted their son Justin from Guatemala.
Later, Erin gave birth to her daughter Jamie and eventually Jared, the youngest member of the family.
Matt also had an older son, Jordan, from a previous marriage.
Despite living with a chronic medical condition, Erin remained actively involved in raising her children and supporting their interests.
Erin McCann’s Career and Family Sacrifices
Erin previously worked at a bank before joining her husband’s construction and gravel business as a receptionist.
The change allowed her greater flexibility to care for her children while balancing professional responsibilities.
When Jared was approximately six weeks old, Erin began bringing him to the family company’s office.
Because his older siblings were already attending school or daycare, mother and son spent considerable time together during his early childhood.
Erin also introduced Jared to skating lessons when he was approximately four years old.
Although he initially struggled with the lessons, his older brother Justin helped encourage him to participate.
As Jared progressed through youth hockey, Erin frequently drove him to practices and games.
She also helped him keep track of the hundreds of shots he practiced each week.
Unlike some parents who focus heavily on sporting performance, Erin preferred to support her son’s happiness and well-being rather than criticize his game.
Jared has publicly credited his mother’s strength, encouragement, and resilience with helping him become the person he is today.
Jared McCann’s Tattoo Honoring His Mother
Jared McCann has a meaningful tattoo dedicated to his mother, Erin.
According to a Seattle Kraken article published on March 11, 2026, he received the tattoo when he was approximately 16 years old.
His older sister Jamie accompanied him to a tattoo studio called Perfect Image in London, Ontario.
The tattoo depicts a hockey stick with a ribbon symbolizing multiple sclerosis and the initials “EM,” representing Erin McCann.
Jared intended the design as a birthday surprise for his mother and a tribute to the sacrifices she had made throughout his childhood.
He has explained that the tattoo combines his love of hockey with his appreciation for Erin’s support.
The artwork remains one of his most personal expressions of gratitude toward his family.
Jared McCann’s Siblings
Jared McCann has three older siblings: Jordan McCann, Justin McCann, and Jamie McCann.
In a March 2023 interview with the Seattle Kraken, Jared confirmed that he was the youngest of four children.
He explained that his family developed through a combination of biological relationships, adoption, and a previous marriage.
Jared McCann’s Older Stepbrother: Jordan McCann
Jordan McCann is Jared McCann’s oldest sibling and his older stepbrother, as Jared described him in a 2023 Seattle Kraken interview.
Jordan is Matt McCann’s son from a previous marriage.
He became part of the family’s blended household alongside Justin, Jamie, and Jared.
Growing up as the youngest child, Jared spent time playing hockey and other games with his older siblings.
Although Jordan has generally remained outside the public spotlight, his relationship to Jared has been directly confirmed by the NHL forward.
Jordan’s profession, marital status, and children have not been reliably documented in the reviewed public reporting.
Jared McCann’s Older Brother: Justin McCann
Justin McCann is Jared’s older brother. He was adopted from Guatemala by Matt and Erin McCann.
According to the Seattle Kraken, Erin’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis initially raised concerns about pregnancy, leading the couple to pursue adoption.
Justin became part of the family before Jamie and Jared were born.
He also played an important role in Jared’s introduction to ice hockey.
When Jared first attended skating lessons at approximately four years old, he was initially uncomfortable participating.
Justin began accompanying him to the lessons, helping his younger brother become more confident on the ice.
That early encouragement contributed to Jared’s growing interest in hockey.
Although Justin has maintained a private adult life, Jared has spoken positively about growing up with his older siblings.
Jared McCann’s Sister: Jamie McCann
Jamie McCann, also spelled Jaimie in some Seattle Kraken reporting, is Jared McCann’s older sister.
She was born after Matt and Erin adopted Justin and before Jared joined the family.
Jamie shares a close relationship with her younger brother and played an important role in one of his most meaningful personal experiences.
When Jared was 16 years old, Jamie accompanied him to a tattoo studio so he could get a design honoring their mother.
Jared later recalled the experience in a March 2026 Seattle Kraken interview.
The tattoo was intended as a birthday surprise for Erin and represented the family’s appreciation for her strength while living with multiple sclerosis.
Jamie helped her younger brother organize the surprise, creating a memorable family moment.
Like her brothers, Jamie maintains a relatively private life, and details about her career and personal relationships have not been widely documented.
How Jared McCann’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Jared McCann’s hockey journey began in Stratford, Ontario, where he learned to skate and practiced on outdoor rinks created by his father.
His older siblings encouraged his competitiveness, while his mother provided emotional support throughout his development.
He played minor hockey in Ontario before joining the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
In 2014, the Vancouver Canucks selected him in the first round, 24th overall, of the NHL Entry Draft.
McCann made his NHL debut with Vancouver in October 2015.
He later played for the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins before joining the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft.
Seattle provided an opportunity for him to establish himself as a leading offensive contributor.
During the 2022–23 season, McCann scored 40 goals, becoming the first player in Kraken history to reach that milestone.
He also became the first Seattle player to score 100 regular-season goals for the franchise in October 2024.
Throughout his career, Jared has continued emphasizing the importance of family, particularly his parents’ sacrifices and his mother’s determination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jared McCann’s Family
Who is Jared McCann’s wife?
Jared McCann’s wife is Valerie Vanderkuylen, also known as Val McCann. They married in Toronto on July 11, 2024.
How did Jared McCann meet his wife?
Jared and Valerie were introduced through mutual friends and first met in person in November 2016. Their first date was a Toronto Raptors basketball game against the Golden State Warriors.
Does Jared McCann have children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Jared McCann and his wife, Valerie, have children.
Who are Jared McCann’s parents?
His parents are Matt McCann and Erin McCann, who raised him in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
What does Jared McCann’s father do?
Matt McCann owned a third-generation family construction and gravel business in Stratford, Ontario.
Who is Jared McCann’s mother?
His mother is Erin McCann, who has lived with multiple sclerosis since she was approximately 18 years old. She supported Jared throughout his hockey development.
Does Jared McCann have siblings?
Yes. Jared McCann has three older siblings: Jordan, Justin, and Jamie McCann.
Who is Jared McCann’s brother Justin?
Justin McCann is Jared’s older brother, whom Matt and Erin adopted from Guatemala. Justin helped Jared become comfortable with skating during childhood.
Who is Jared McCann’s stepbrother?
His older stepbrother is Jordan McCann, Matt McCann’s son from a previous marriage.
Who is Jared McCann’s sister?
His older sister is Jamie McCann, also spelled Jaimie. She helped Jared get a tattoo honoring their mother when he was 16 years old.
What is Jared McCann’s dog’s name?
Jared and Valerie have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Cheddar, who appeared as a groomsman at their July 2024 wedding.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
