Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Cole Smith is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a left winger for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 28, 1995, in Brainerd, Minnesota, Smith is known for his physical playing style, defensive abilities, and determination.
After beginning his professional career with the Nashville Predators and later playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, Smith signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2026.
Beyond his professional hockey achievements, Cole Smith is a family-oriented athlete. His longtime partner, Hannah Cook, and their son are important parts of his personal life.
Smith also comes from a highly athletic American family. His parents, Tom and Kris Smith, both competed in college sports, while his two younger sisters, Allyson Smith and Gabbie Smith, became accomplished collegiate athletes.
Who Is Cole Smith’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Cole Smith’s longtime romantic partner is Hannah Cook. The couple announced their engagement in 2025 and welcomed their first child the same year.
In July 2025, The Hockey News reported that Smith and Cook had shared important family milestones, including their engagement and the arrival of their baby boy.
Hannah has supported Cole throughout his professional hockey career, including his years with the Nashville Predators and his move to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In July 2026, Smith discussed his family life during interviews following his decision to sign with Chicago.
He explained that the security of a three-year NHL contract would help him and Hannah establish a stable home for their young family.
Smith also revealed that they planned to marry in Nashville, Tennessee, during the summer of 2026.
Although their wedding plans were publicly reported, the completed ceremony and exact marriage date have not been independently verified in the reliable sources reviewed.
Hannah is therefore publicly confirmed as his longtime partner and fiancée, while her current legal marital status with Smith remains unverified.
Cole Smith and Hannah Cook’s Relationship
Cole Smith and Hannah Cook maintained their relationship during his years with the Nashville Predators.
The couple spent considerable time living in Nashville, where Smith developed into an established NHL forward.
In 2025, they announced their engagement and celebrated becoming parents.
These milestones marked an important period in Smith’s personal life as he continued developing his professional career.
When Nashville traded Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2026, the move introduced another significant change for the family.
However, his subsequent contract with Chicago provided the possibility of longer-term stability.
In a July 2026 interview reported by the Daily Herald, Smith explained that having a multiyear contract would allow the family to settle in one place rather than continually preparing for another move.
He described the opportunity as particularly meaningful for Hannah and their young son.
Although Hannah has appeared in public announcements concerning their engagement and child, she generally maintains a relatively private personal life.
How Many Children Does Cole Smith Have?
Cole Smith has one publicly documented child, a son whom he shares with Hannah Cook.
The couple announced their son’s arrival in July 2025, although reports indicate that he had been born earlier that year.
His birth marked an important milestone for Smith, who has since discussed the responsibilities of balancing professional hockey with fatherhood.
Cole Smith’s Son
Cole Smith and Hannah Cook welcomed their first son in 2025.
On July 23, 2025, The Hockey News reported that the couple had announced their son’s arrival through social media.
The Nashville Predators also celebrated the family’s news on their official social media accounts.
Although the child’s birth was publicly confirmed, his name and exact date of birth have not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
During an interview in July 2026, Smith described his son as slightly more than one year old.
He explained that becoming a father had influenced how he thought about his professional career.
While hockey remained important, he also wanted to provide stability for Hannah and their child.
Smith emphasized that his new contract with Chicago would help the family establish roots and avoid the uncertainty associated with frequent team changes.
The comments demonstrated the importance of fatherhood in his life away from the ice.
Who Are Cole Smith’s Parents?
Cole Smith’s parents are Tom Smith and Kris Smith. They raised Cole and his two younger sisters in Brainerd, Minnesota, United States.
Both parents were accomplished collegiate athletes, creating a family environment in which sports, competition, and physical activity were important parts of everyday life.
Their identities and sporting backgrounds are confirmed by the University of North Dakota and Bemidji State University athletics departments.
Cole Smith’s Father: Tom Smith
Tom Smith, also known as Tommy Smith, is Cole Smith’s father and a former college football player.
He attended St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where he competed for the university’s football team.
According to Bemidji State University’s official athletics biographies, Tom earned first-team All-Conference honors during his collegiate football career.
His athletic background played an important role in shaping the sporting environment in which Cole grew up.
Tom encouraged his children to participate in different sports rather than concentrating exclusively on one activity.
During Cole’s childhood, the family frequently organized outdoor activities, including hockey, football, and other competitive games.
In a February 2024 interview with the Bemidji Pioneer, Cole’s younger sister, Gabbie, recalled that their father maintained an outdoor skating rink on the lake near their family home.
The rink allowed the children to practice hockey together during Minnesota’s cold winters.
Tom also encouraged the siblings to compete against one another and develop strong work ethics.
The family’s shared passion for athletics contributed to Cole’s development as a hockey player.
His father’s encouragement remained important as Cole progressed through high school hockey, junior competition, and college athletics.
Cole Smith’s Mother: Kris Smith
Kris Smith, also known as Kris DeBoer Smith, is Cole Smith’s mother. She is a former collegiate track and field athlete who competed for Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Kris enjoyed a highly successful college athletics career and earned All-American recognition.
According to Bemidji State University’s official athletics records, she was a three-year All-American in track and field.
She established several impressive performances in jumping events, particularly the long jump.
Her athletic achievements earned her induction into the Concordia College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
The university’s official Hall of Fame records list her under the name Kris DeBoer Smith.
Her sporting background influenced the athletic development of all three Smith children.
Cole participated in hockey, football, and track and field during his high school years.
His younger sisters also pursued multiple sports before establishing successful collegiate careers.
Kris and her husband encouraged their children to compete while emphasizing hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
The family’s athletic achievements demonstrate the influence of both parents on their children’s sporting development.
Cole Smith’s Siblings
Cole Smith has two younger sisters: Allyson Smith and Gabbie Smith.
He is the oldest of three children born to Tom and Kris Smith.
Both sisters became accomplished collegiate athletes at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.
Allyson Smith – Cole Smith’s Younger Sister
Allyson Rae Smith is Cole Smith’s younger sister and a former collegiate soccer player.
She was born on November 3, 1998, and grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Like Cole, Allyson participated in multiple sports throughout childhood and high school.
She attended Brainerd High School, where she excelled in soccer, hockey, and track and field.
During her high school soccer career, she earned numerous honors, including All-State Second Team recognition.
She was also a three-time Most Valuable Player for the Brainerd girls’ soccer team.
Allyson later joined Bemidji State University’s women’s soccer program.
She developed into one of the team’s leading offensive players, contributing goals and assists throughout her collegiate career.
During the 2022 season, she received several honors, including United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team and All-NSIC First Team recognition.
She also became the program’s all-time career assists leader during that season.
According to her official university biography, Allyson studied physical education and health.
Her achievements continued the Smith family’s tradition of athletic excellence.
Gabbie Smith – Cole Smith’s Youngest Sister
Gabbie Smith is Cole Smith’s youngest sister and a former collegiate ice hockey player.
Born on September 6, 2001, Gabbie grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota, alongside Cole and Allyson.
She developed an interest in hockey during childhood and frequently practiced on the family’s outdoor skating rink.
Gabbie attended Brainerd High School, where she became a standout hockey player.
She earned All-State recognition and helped the Brainerd/Little Falls girls’ hockey team reach the Minnesota Class AA state championship game in 2019.
She also competed in soccer and track and field, following the family’s tradition of participating in multiple sports.
After completing high school, Gabbie joined Bemidji State University’s women’s hockey program.
She played four seasons for the Beavers from 2020 to 2024.
During her senior season, she served as an alternate captain and received recognition for her academic achievements.
In a February 2024 interview with the Bemidji Pioneer, Gabbie discussed the influence of her family on her sporting career.
She explained that growing up with Cole and Allyson encouraged her to become competitive and develop a strong desire to win.
She also praised her older siblings for demonstrating leadership and commitment to their teammates.
Gabbie credited those experiences with helping her become a more confident athlete and team leader.
Does Cole Smith Have Any Brothers?
No brothers are identified in Cole Smith’s official family biographies.
Established reporting describes Cole as the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters, Allyson and Gabbie.
The family’s sporting achievements have been documented extensively through university athletics records and local Minnesota sports publications.
Cole Smith’s Uncle: Sandy Smith
Cole Smith also comes from an extended family with strong hockey connections.
His uncle, Sandy Smith, played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Sandy was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1986 NHL Draft and subsequently pursued a professional hockey career.
He also played professional hockey in Europe.
According to reporting by the Carillon and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Sandy maintained a close relationship with junior hockey coach Paul Dyck.
The two previously played together within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Their connection became relevant when Cole considered joining the Steinbach Pistons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Paul Dyck was coaching Steinbach at the time and was familiar with the Smith family’s hockey background.
Cole eventually joined the Pistons, where he developed his skills and earned an opportunity to play college hockey.
Cole Smith’s Family Background and Early Life
Cole Smith was born on October 28, 1995, in Brainerd, Minnesota.
He grew up in an athletic household where his parents encouraged their children to remain active throughout the year.
During childhood, Cole played hockey, football, baseball, and participated in track and field.
His father maintained an outdoor ice rink near the family home, allowing the children to skate and play hockey together.
According to a February 2024 Bemidji Pioneer interview with Gabbie Smith, family gatherings frequently involved competitive games such as football, soccer, badminton, and pickleball.
The siblings developed strong competitive personalities and regularly challenged one another.
Cole attended Brainerd High School, where he excelled in several sports.
He was a standout football player and helped Brainerd finish the 2013 season with a 12–1 record.
He also earned All-State recognition in football and competed successfully in track and field.
Despite his achievements in several sports, Cole decided to pursue ice hockey professionally.
Following high school, he moved to Canada to play junior hockey for the Steinbach Pistons.
His performances helped him earn a scholarship opportunity at the University of North Dakota.
How Cole Smith’s Family Supported His Hockey Career
Cole Smith’s path to the NHL was unconventional.
Unlike many professional players, he was never selected in the NHL Draft.
After high school, he initially faced challenges finding opportunities in elite junior hockey.
He eventually joined the Steinbach Pistons, where he became an important contributor.
In 2016, he committed to the University of North Dakota, joining one of the most successful college hockey programs in the United States.
During his four seasons at North Dakota, Smith developed into a dependable two-way forward.
He became known for his physical style, defensive awareness, and commitment to teamwork.
In March 2020, the Nashville Predators signed him as an undrafted free agent.
He made his NHL debut with Nashville on January 14, 2021.
Smith subsequently established himself as a regular NHL player during the 2022–23 season.
His accomplishments reflected the sporting values emphasized by his parents and the competitive environment he shared with his sisters.
Cole Smith’s Family Life and Move to Chicago
On March 3, 2026, the Nashville Predators traded Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights.
He subsequently participated in Vegas’s 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff campaign.
On July 1, 2026, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that Smith had signed a three-year contract worth $9 million.
The agreement runs through the 2028–29 NHL season.
During interviews following the announcement, Smith explained that the contract offered something particularly valuable to his family: stability.
He had previously signed several short-term professional contracts, making it difficult to plan far into the future.
Now that he and Hannah had a young son, Smith wanted to establish a more permanent home.
He explained that moving to Chicago would allow the family to build a stable routine without immediately worrying about another relocation.
The opportunity was also meaningful because Chicago is relatively close to his home state of Minnesota.
His decision to join the Blackhawks represented an important milestone both professionally and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cole Smith’s Family
Who is Cole Smith’s girlfriend?
Cole Smith’s longtime romantic partner is Hannah Cook. The couple announced their engagement in 2025 and welcomed a son the same year.
Is Cole Smith married?
Cole Smith publicly announced plans to marry Hannah Cook in Nashville during the summer of 2026. However, reliable post-wedding confirmation of their marriage has not been independently established.
Does Cole Smith have children?
Yes. Cole Smith has one publicly documented son with Hannah Cook, born in 2025.
What is Cole Smith’s son’s name?
The name of Cole Smith’s son has not been reliably confirmed in the public sources reviewed.
Who is Cole Smith’s father?
Cole Smith’s father is Tom Smith, a former collegiate football player who competed at St. Cloud State University.
Who is Cole Smith’s mother?
Cole Smith’s mother is Kris DeBoer Smith, a former track and field athlete who was inducted into the Concordia College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
How many siblings does Cole Smith have?
Cole Smith has two younger siblings, both sisters. Their names are Allyson Smith and Gabbie Smith.
Who is Cole Smith’s sister Allyson?
Allyson Smith is Cole Smith’s younger sister and a former collegiate soccer player who competed at Bemidji State University.
Who is Cole Smith’s sister Gabbie?
Gabbie Smith is Cole Smith’s youngest sister and a former collegiate ice hockey player who competed for Bemidji State University.
Does Cole Smith have any brothers?
No brothers are identified in Cole Smith’s official family biographies. He is the oldest of three children and has two younger sisters.
Who is Cole Smith’s uncle?
Cole Smith’s uncle is Sandy Smith, a former collegiate and professional ice hockey player who was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1986 NHL Draft.
Where is Cole Smith’s family from?
Cole Smith’s family is from Brainerd, Minnesota, United States, where he grew up and developed his athletic abilities.
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.
