Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Erik Gudbranson is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 7, 1992, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Gudbranson grew up in a close-knit family with strong connections to hockey.
His family includes his wife, Dr. Sarah Sweetnam, their two children, Bennett and Zoey Gudbranson, his father, Wayne Gudbranson, his mother, Donna Leith-Gudbranson, and his three siblings, Alex, Dennis, and Chantal Gudbranson.
Family has played an important role throughout Gudbranson’s life, particularly during his youngest brother’s battle with leukemia and his own journey to becoming an established NHL player.
Erik Gudbranson’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Erik Gudbranson is married to Dr. Sarah Sweetnam, a Canadian dentist who has supported him throughout several stages of his professional hockey career.
The couple met while Sarah was attending dental school and eventually developed a romantic relationship.
According to a December 2021 episode of the Breaking the Ice podcast, Sarah met Erik during her first week of dental school.
Their relationship developed despite the demands of Sarah’s education and Erik’s professional hockey schedule.
They subsequently became engaged and married.
Secondary sports reports indicate that Erik proposed in 2018 and that the couple married in Ontario in 2019. However, their exact wedding date has not been independently confirmed through an official NHL publication.
Their marriage is confirmed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL Players’ Association, and several interviews featuring Sarah.
Who Is Sarah Sweetnam?
Sarah Sweetnam is a Canadian dentist and the wife of NHL defenseman Erik Gudbranson.
She completed her dental education while navigating a relationship with a professional hockey player whose career required frequent travel and relocation.
In December 2021, Sarah appeared on the Breaking the Ice podcast to discuss dentistry, marriage, motherhood, and life in professional hockey.
During the interview, she spoke about common dental misconceptions, children’s oral health, and the challenges of balancing her career with family responsibilities.
She also discussed how she and Erik managed their demanding schedules while maintaining their relationship.
In October 2022, Sarah appeared on the More Than a Season podcast, where she discussed moving between NHL cities while maintaining her own identity and professional interests.
Her experiences reflect the challenges faced by families of professional athletes who frequently change teams and cities.
Erik and Sarah Gudbranson’s Marriage
Erik and Sarah have experienced several major life changes together, including relocations between NHL organizations and the births of their children.
One particularly challenging period occurred in April 2021, when Erik was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Nashville Predators shortly after Sarah gave birth to their first child.
According to Sarah’s podcast interview, Erik was traded just six days after she gave birth.
Because of the circumstances surrounding the move, Sarah remained in Canada for approximately five weeks before joining her husband in Nashville.
The experience was especially demanding because she was adjusting to motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges, the couple continued building their family.
When Gudbranson signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2022, Sarah and their son Bennett accompanied him to Ohio.
The family subsequently welcomed their second child and established a home in Columbus.
Erik Gudbranson’s Children
Erik Gudbranson and his wife, Sarah, have two children: a son named Bennett Gudbranson and a daughter named Zoey Gudbranson.
Their names are confirmed in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ official 2024–25 media guide.
1. Bennett Gudbranson: Erik Gudbranson’s Son
Bennett Gudbranson, sometimes affectionately called Benny, is Erik and Sarah’s first child.
He was born in the spring of 2021, while his father was playing for the Ottawa Senators.
His arrival marked an important milestone for the couple, who were becoming parents for the first time.
In February 2021, Erik’s mother, Donna, told Ottawa Sports Pages that the family was excited about the expected birth of their first grandchild.
Shortly after Bennett was born, Erik was traded to Nashville, requiring the family to adjust to a new professional environment.
When Gudbranson signed with Columbus in July 2022, the Blue Jackets officially welcomed Sarah and Bennett to the organization.
Bennett Gudbranson’s Interest in Hockey
Like his father, Bennett has shown an interest in skating and hockey during childhood.
In January 2025, Sarah shared photographs of Bennett participating in skating activities.
In June 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets reported that Bennett, then five years old, had participated in the organization’s Learn to Play program.
The initiative introduces children to skating, hockey equipment, and the fundamentals of the sport.
Gudbranson spoke enthusiastically about watching his son enjoy hockey.
He also humorously recalled that Bennett had already begun imitating some of his father’s physical playing habits during miniature hockey games at home.
The experience allowed Erik to appreciate the joy of introducing his child to a sport that had shaped his own life.
2. Zoey Gudbranson: Erik Gudbranson’s Daughter
Zoey Gudbranson is Erik and Sarah’s second child and their first daughter.
She was born in 2022, around the time Gudbranson joined the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In an August 2022 interview with the NHL Players’ Association, Erik revealed that he and Sarah were expecting their second child, with a due date of August 25.
He explained that the family was preparing to relocate to Columbus while also getting ready for the baby’s arrival.
Subsequent official Blue Jackets biographies confirmed that the couple had welcomed their daughter, Zoey.
Although the expected delivery date was publicly reported, her exact birth date has not been independently verified.
Zoey has occasionally appeared in family photographs shared publicly by Sarah.
In April and May 2025, she was photographed during family gatherings involving the Gudbransons and the family of Erik’s late teammate Johnny Gaudreau.
These occasions demonstrated the friendships the Gudbranson family developed within the Columbus hockey community.
Erik Gudbranson’s Parents
Erik Gudbranson was born to Wayne Gudbranson and Donna Leith-Gudbranson, who raised him and his three younger siblings in the Ottawa area.
Both parents played important roles in their children’s development, particularly because all four participated in competitive hockey.
Their names are confirmed in Hockey Canada’s official 2014 World Championship media guide.
Erik Gudbranson’s Father: Wayne Gudbranson
Wayne Gudbranson is Erik’s father and one of the most influential figures in his upbringing.
Wayne raised four children alongside his wife, Donna, in the Ottawa area.
He supported their participation in competitive hockey by attending games, arranging transportation, and helping the family manage demanding sports schedules.
According to a February 2021 interview with Ottawa Sports Pages, Wayne and Donna frequently traveled throughout Ontario, Quebec, and the northern United States to attend tournaments.
The family participated in approximately 20 hockey tournaments annually during the children’s younger years.
Wayne Gudbranson’s Influence on Erik’s Career
Wayne encouraged Erik to develop discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
His involvement became especially important during the 2012–13 NHL lockout.
While recovering from a shoulder injury, Erik temporarily returned to his parents’ home near Ottawa.
In a February 2013 interview with Sportsnet, Gudbranson explained that having his father nearby helped him remain focused on rehabilitation.
Wayne encouraged him to maintain his exercise routine, eat properly, and continue working on his hockey skills.
Erik appreciated his father’s guidance during a difficult period when he was unable to compete regularly.
Wayne has also supported the family’s charitable activities, including fundraising events associated with Canadian Blood Services.
Erik Gudbranson’s Mother: Donna Leith-Gudbranson
Donna Leith-Gudbranson is Erik’s mother and another important figure in the family’s sporting background.
She helped raise Erik, Alex, Dennis, and Chantal while supporting their participation in competitive hockey.
In a February 2021 interview with Ottawa Sports Pages, Donna recalled the extensive traveling required during her children’s youth hockey careers.
She explained that the family regularly attended tournaments across Ontario, Quebec, and the northern United States.
These commitments required considerable organization, transportation, and time away from home.
Donna also played a particularly important role during Dennis Gudbranson’s childhood illness.
When Dennis was receiving treatment for leukemia, she spent significant time supporting him while Wayne and the other children helped maintain everyday family responsibilities.
The experience strengthened the family’s relationships and influenced Erik’s outlook on life.
Donna Gudbranson’s Family Values
Donna and Wayne emphasized the importance of education alongside sports.
Erik attended École secondaire catholique Louis-Riel in Ottawa, where he participated in a French-language education and hockey development program.
In a September 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets interview, Gudbranson explained that his mother’s side of the family was predominantly French-speaking.
His parents therefore made learning French an important part of the children’s upbringing.
Erik credited them with giving him the opportunity to become bilingual, something he hopes to share with his own children.
Donna has also participated in charitable activities alongside her family, including fundraising efforts supporting stem cell donation.
Erik Gudbranson’s Siblings
Erik Gudbranson has three siblings: two younger brothers, Alex and Dennis Gudbranson, and one younger sister, Chantal Gudbranson.
All four children grew up in the Ottawa area and participated in sports.
Their identities and family relationships are confirmed by Hockey Canada and Canadian Blood Services.
1. Alex Gudbranson: Erik Gudbranson’s Brother
Alex Gudbranson is Erik’s younger brother and a Canadian ice hockey defenseman.
He was born on September 3, 1994, in Orléans, Ontario, Canada.
Like Erik, Alex developed an interest in hockey during childhood and progressed through competitive youth programs in Ottawa.
He was selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the first round of the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft.
Alex subsequently played junior hockey with the Kingston Frontenacs and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
According to the Orlando Solar Bears’ official website, he appeared in 243 OHL games, recording 15 goals and 37 assists.
After completing his junior hockey career, Alex played professionally in the American Hockey League and ECHL.
His professional teams included the Toronto Marlies, Iowa Wild, Quad City Mallards, and Orlando Solar Bears.
Alex and Erik share a close relationship built around their common interest in hockey.
During childhood, the brothers regularly practiced shooting pucks at their family home, sometimes leaving marks on the garage doors.
2. Dennis Gudbranson: Erik Gudbranson’s Youngest Brother
Dennis Gudbranson is Erik’s youngest brother.
He became an important inspiration for Erik’s charitable activities after surviving a serious childhood illness.
According to Canadian Blood Services, Dennis was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when he was approximately six years old.
His illness required extensive treatment, including a search for a suitable stem cell donor.
After months of uncertainty, the family learned that a compatible donor had been identified.
Dennis received a life-saving stem cell transplant and subsequently recovered.
The experience had a profound influence on Erik and his siblings.
How Dennis Gudbranson’s Illness Influenced Erik
During Dennis’s treatment, Erik became more involved in supporting his younger siblings.
According to a 2013 Associated Press feature published by Fox Sports, Erik helped look after Alex and Chantal while their parents managed Dennis’s medical care and other family responsibilities.
Erik later explained that the experience forced the siblings to mature earlier than expected.
After reaching the NHL, he began supporting organizations involved in stem cell donation and childhood cancer care.
In 2016, Gudbranson partnered with Canadian Blood Services to encourage more people to join the stem cell donor registry.
He explained that his brother’s survival demonstrated how a donor could change an entire family’s future.
The family also organized the Gudbranson Celebrity Golf Classic to raise funds for Canadian Blood Services.
In June 2017, the tournament raised approximately $47,000 for the organization’s cord blood bank initiative.
In 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets introduced Guddy’s Game Changers, a program through which Erik hosts families and staff affected by serious childhood illnesses at hockey games.
The initiative was inspired by Dennis’s experience and the support the Gudbranson family received during his treatment.
3. Chantal Gudbranson: Erik Gudbranson’s Sister
Chantal Gudbranson is Erik’s younger sister and the daughter of Wayne and Donna Gudbranson.
Like her brothers, Chantal grew up playing competitive ice hockey.
She attended École secondaire catholique Louis-Riel in Ottawa, where she participated in the school’s hockey program.
Chantal later attended the University of Guelph in Ontario.
During her university years, she played hockey for the Guelph Gryphons women’s team.
Biographical reports also identify her as having studied marine and freshwater biology.
Her involvement in collegiate athletics continued the sporting tradition established within the Gudbranson household.
Chantal Gudbranson’s Relationship With Her Brothers
Chantal grew up alongside Erik, Alex, and Dennis in a household where hockey was a regular part of everyday life.
During Dennis’s childhood illness, she and her older brothers supported one another while their parents focused on his treatment.
In January 2011, Chantal traveled with her mother to Buffalo, New York, to watch Erik represent Canada at the World Junior Championship.
At the same time, Wayne and Dennis traveled to Winnipeg to support Alex at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
The family’s different sporting commitments demonstrated how all four siblings were encouraged to pursue hockey.
Chantal has also participated in family charity events supporting Canadian Blood Services.
Erik Gudbranson’s Family and Charity Work
The Gudbranson family’s experience with Dennis’s illness became a major influence on Erik’s charitable commitments.
He has supported Canadian Blood Services, Hockey Gives Blood, and organizations assisting families affected by childhood cancer.
In September 2016, he became involved in the Men Give Life campaign, which encouraged eligible men to register as stem cell donors.
The initiative aimed to increase the number of potential donors available to patients requiring life-saving transplants.
Erik frequently discusses how the support his family received during Dennis’s treatment inspired him to help other families.
In October 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets highlighted his Guddy’s Game Changers initiative, which provides special game-day experiences to families affected by childhood critical illnesses.
Through these activities, Gudbranson continues honoring the experiences that shaped his upbringing.
How Erik Gudbranson’s Family Supported His Hockey Career
Erik Gudbranson began playing hockey at approximately five years old in the Ottawa area.
His parents supported his development through youth hockey programs, including the Gloucester Rangers and Ottawa Jr. 67’s.
In 2008, he joined the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.
During his junior career, he developed into one of Canada’s promising young defensemen.
In 2010, the Florida Panthers selected him third overall in the NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut during the 2011–12 season.
Gudbranson subsequently played for the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames before joining Columbus.
On July 13, 2022, he signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The move offered greater stability for Erik, Sarah, and their growing family.
On July 2, 2026, Columbus signed him to a new one-year contract worth $1.75 million, keeping him with the organization for the 2026–27 season.
Throughout his career, Gudbranson has credited his family with teaching him discipline, resilience, and the importance of supporting others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erik Gudbranson’s Family
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s girlfriend?
Erik Gudbranson is married to Dr. Sarah Sweetnam. She is his wife rather than his girlfriend, and the couple have two children together.
Is Erik Gudbranson married?
Yes. Erik Gudbranson is married to Sarah Sweetnam, a Canadian dentist whom he met while she was attending dental school.
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s wife?
His wife is Dr. Sarah Sweetnam, a dentist who has appeared on podcasts discussing motherhood, dentistry, and life with an NHL player.
When did Erik Gudbranson get married?
Secondary sports reports indicate that Erik Gudbranson and Sarah Sweetnam married in Ontario in 2019. Their exact wedding date has not been independently verified through an official NHL source.
Does Erik Gudbranson have children?
Yes. Erik Gudbranson and Sarah Sweetnam have two children: a son named Bennett and a daughter named Zoey.
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s son?
His son is Bennett Gudbranson, who was born in 2021. Bennett participated in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Learn to Play hockey program during the 2025–26 season.
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s daughter?
His daughter is Zoey Gudbranson, born in 2022. Her name is confirmed in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ official player media guide.
Who are Erik Gudbranson’s parents?
Erik Gudbranson’s parents are Wayne Gudbranson and Donna Leith-Gudbranson. They raised him and his three younger siblings in the Ottawa area.
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s father?
His father is Wayne Gudbranson, who supported all four of his children’s hockey activities and helped Erik maintain his rehabilitation routine following a shoulder injury.
Who is Erik Gudbranson’s mother?
His mother is Donna Leith-Gudbranson. She played an important role in raising four hockey-playing children and supporting Dennis during his childhood leukemia treatment.
Does Erik Gudbranson have siblings?
Yes. Erik Gudbranson has three siblings: two younger brothers named Alex and Dennis and a younger sister named Chantal.
Is Alex Gudbranson related to Erik Gudbranson?
Yes. Alex Gudbranson is Erik’s younger brother and a former professional hockey defenseman who played in the OHL, AHL, and ECHL.
Who is Dennis Gudbranson?
Dennis Gudbranson is Erik’s youngest brother. He survived childhood leukemia after receiving a stem cell transplant. His experience inspired Erik’s involvement in stem cell donation awareness and charitable activities.
Who is Chantal Gudbranson?
Chantal Gudbranson is Erik’s younger sister. She attended the University of Guelph, where she played hockey for the Guelph Gryphons.
Where is Erik Gudbranson’s family from?
The Gudbranson family comes from the Ottawa area of Ontario, Canada. Erik grew up in a bilingual household and attended French-language schools.
What NHL team does Erik Gudbranson play for?
Erik Gudbranson plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He signed a one-year contract worth $1.75 million with the organization in July 2026.
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.
