Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Casey DeSmith is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 13, 1991, in Rochester, New Hampshire, DeSmith has built a successful NHL career after entering professional hockey as an undrafted player.
Beyond his career, DeSmith is a husband and father. He married former collegiate gymnast Ellie Pikula in July 2019, and he publicly confirmed that he has children during an interview in September 2026.
His parents are Gary DeSmith and Patrice DeSmith, while his two sisters are Kylene DeSmith and Kirin DeSmith. Both sisters have an important place in his family story, even appearing symbolically on one of his professional goaltender masks.
Here is a closer look at Casey DeSmith’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Casey DeSmith’s Wife: Who Is Ellie Pikula?
Casey DeSmith’s wife is Ellie Pikula, a former American collegiate gymnast and track-and-field athlete who attended the University of Pittsburgh.
The couple married in July 2019 while DeSmith was playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Ellie grew up in Port Vue, Pennsylvania, and attended South Allegheny High School, where she participated in several sports.
She later enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, competing in gymnastics and track and field.
Her athletic career included several challenges, particularly injuries that interrupted her development as a gymnast.
Despite those setbacks, Ellie returned to competitive gymnastics during her final year at Pittsburgh.
Her determination attracted recognition from university athletics officials and helped establish her reputation beyond her relationship with an NHL player.
When Did Casey DeSmith Get Married?
Casey DeSmith married Ellie Pikula in July 2019.
The wedding took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where DeSmith was playing professionally at the time.
According to a May 2022 article published by Earn The Necklace, the couple exchanged vows at Heinz Chapel.
A reception followed at the University Club in Pittsburgh.
The publication also reported that Ellie’s sister, Alaina Pikula, and Casey’s sister, Kylene DeSmith, participated in the wedding celebrations.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette independently confirmed the marriage in an article published on September 30, 2019.
That report explained that Casey and Ellie were also settling into a new home around the beginning of the 2019–20 NHL season.
Their marriage represented an important personal milestone as DeSmith continued establishing himself with the Penguins.
How Did Casey DeSmith Meet His Wife?
The precise circumstances surrounding Casey DeSmith and Ellie Pikula’s first meeting have not been reliably established in major public reporting.
However, their relationship developed before their July 2019 wedding.
Ellie attended the University of Pittsburgh, while DeSmith was playing professional hockey in the Pittsburgh area.
Both shared backgrounds in competitive sports, which became an important connection in their personal lives.
What Does Casey DeSmith’s Wife Do for a Living?
Ellie Pikula has developed a professional career involving public service, intelligence, and technology.
In November 2025, the University of Pittsburgh announced that she had been selected as a recipient of its 2026 Varsity Letter Club Rising Star Award.
According to the university, Ellie previously served as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Her responsibilities included criminal investigations, cyber investigations, and work supporting national security operations.
She later continued in public service as a senior intelligence analyst supporting the United States Department of State.
The university identified her as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Vigilant, a safety-intelligence technology company.
The company focuses on providing threat alerts and protective tools to individuals and organizations.
Ellie has also participated in mentorship activities for University of Pittsburgh student-athletes interested in government service.
Her achievements demonstrate that she has developed an independent professional career alongside her husband’s involvement in the NHL.
Ellie Pikula’s College Gymnastics Career
Before entering public service and business, Ellie was a competitive gymnast at the University of Pittsburgh.
She attended South Allegheny High School, where she participated in gymnastics, softball, and track and field.
She earned recognition as a regional gymnastics qualifier and established a school record in the triple jump.
After enrolling at Pittsburgh, injuries prevented her from competing regularly in gymnastics during her early college years.
She subsequently joined the university’s track-and-field program.
However, she continued working toward her goal of returning to gymnastics.
In 2017, she successfully rejoined the Panthers gymnastics team as a fifth-year senior.
Her return attracted attention from the university because of her determination to overcome repeated setbacks.
Ellie’s experiences in competitive athletics helped prepare her for the discipline and challenges associated with her later professional career.
Does Casey DeSmith Have Children?
Yes. Casey DeSmith has publicly confirmed that he is a father.
During a September 30, 2026, interview following his contract extension with the Dallas Stars, DeSmith discussed how having children influenced his decision to remain with the organization.
He explained that knowing where his family would live for the coming years was particularly important.
The interview was published by NHL.com and confirmed that DeSmith and his family enjoyed living in Dallas.
However, he did not disclose the number of children, their names, or their dates of birth in the reporting reviewed.
Therefore, while DeSmith’s status as a father is confirmed, further details about his children remain private.
How Many Children Does Casey DeSmith Have?
Casey DeSmith referred to having children during his September 2026 interview, but an exact number has not been established through reliable public sources.
His remarks indicate that he has multiple children, although they do not independently establish a precise count.
There is also no sufficiently verified public information identifying the children by name.
How Has Fatherhood Influenced Casey DeSmith’s Career?
Fatherhood has become an important consideration in DeSmith’s professional decisions.
When he signed his contract extension with Dallas in September 2026, he emphasized that family stability was one of his priorities.
He appreciated the opportunity to remain in a familiar city rather than face another move between NHL organizations.
DeSmith also praised the Stars’ organization, his teammates, and the atmosphere surrounding the team.
His comments demonstrated that his decision involved more than financial considerations or playing opportunities.
He wanted a stable environment for both his hockey career and his family.
Casey DeSmith’s Parents
Casey DeSmith’s parents are Gary DeSmith and Patrice DeSmith.
Their names are confirmed in his official University of New Hampshire athletics biography.
DeSmith grew up in Rochester, New Hampshire, where his family supported his development as a competitive ice hockey goaltender.
Casey DeSmith’s Father: Gary DeSmith
Gary DeSmith is Casey DeSmith’s father and one of the most influential people in his personal development.
According to the University of New Hampshire’s official biography, Casey identified his father as the person he most admired outside the world of sports.
The statement highlighted their close relationship during his college hockey years.
Gary supported Casey’s sporting ambitions as he progressed through youth hockey in New Hampshire.
His son later developed through preparatory school hockey and the United States Hockey League before attending university.
Although Gary’s involvement in Casey’s life is documented, detailed information about his occupation and personal background has not been widely published.
How Gary DeSmith Supported Casey’s Hockey Career
One memorable moment occurred after Casey’s successful 2016–17 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
During that season, DeSmith earned recognition as one of the American Hockey League’s leading goaltenders.
He was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and shared the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award with Tristan Jarry.
After returning home during the offseason, Casey brought his awards to show his parents.
In a feature published by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, he explained that sharing those achievements with his mother and father made him appreciate their significance.
The occasion demonstrated how much his family’s support meant to him after years of working toward professional hockey.
Casey DeSmith’s Mother: Patrice DeSmith
Patrice DeSmith is Casey DeSmith’s mother.
Her name is confirmed by the University of New Hampshire’s official athletics records.
Patrice helped raise Casey and his two sisters in New Hampshire.
She supported his participation in competitive hockey and witnessed his progression from youth hockey to the professional level.
Like Gary, Patrice shared in her son’s achievements following his successful 2016–17 AHL season.
DeSmith has recalled presenting his professional awards to both parents when he returned home.
Although Patrice has been an important part of his family life, her occupation and other personal details remain largely private.
Casey DeSmith’s Siblings: Meet His Two Sisters
Casey DeSmith has two sisters named Kylene DeSmith and Kirin DeSmith.
Their identities are confirmed in an American Hockey League article published on December 1, 2016.
Both sisters have maintained relatively private personal lives, but Casey has publicly acknowledged their importance to him.
1. Kylene DeSmith – Casey DeSmith’s Sister
Kylene DeSmith is one of Casey DeSmith’s two sisters.
Her name was confirmed by the American Hockey League in a feature about Casey’s goaltender mask.
The article explained that Casey included two letter K symbols on the back of his helmet in recognition of Kylene and their sister Kirin.
The gesture demonstrated that family remained important to him even as he pursued professional hockey.
Kylene was also reportedly part of the wedding party when Casey married Ellie Pikula in July 2019.
Although her relationship with Casey is documented, information about her occupation, education, and personal life remains limited.
2. Kirin DeSmith – Casey DeSmith’s Sister
Kirin DeSmith is Casey DeSmith’s other sister.
Her name is also confirmed in the American Hockey League’s December 2016 article.
Like Kylene, Kirin was honored through the design of her brother’s professional goaltender mask.
The helmet included two K symbols representing the sisters.
The design was a personal tribute that DeSmith carried onto the ice during his time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Kirin has maintained a relatively private public profile, and reliable information about her current occupation and personal relationships is limited.
Why Did Casey DeSmith Put His Sisters’ Initials on His Goaltender Mask?
Casey DeSmith included his sisters’ initials on his goaltender mask as a tribute to his family.
According to an American Hockey League article, the back of his helmet featured two K symbols placed beside one another.
They represented Kirin and Kylene DeSmith.
The same helmet also featured a tribute to his longtime friend and fellow goaltender Jon Gillies.
Gillies played with DeSmith during their junior hockey years with the Indiana Ice.
The personalized helmet design reflected both family relationships and friendships that were important to Casey’s development.
Does Casey DeSmith Have a Brother?
There is no publicly confirmed brother of Casey DeSmith in the major hockey profiles reviewed.
The American Hockey League specifically identifies his two sisters, Kirin and Kylene.
No brother has been independently established through official university or professional hockey biographies.
Casey DeSmith’s Family Background and Childhood
Casey DeSmith was born on August 13, 1991, in Rochester, New Hampshire, United States.
He grew up in the New England region, where he began developing his skills as an ice hockey goaltender.
DeSmith attended Berwick Academy and Deerfield Academy during his preparatory school years.
He subsequently joined the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League.
During the 2010–11 season, he recorded 22 victories in 37 regular-season appearances.
His performances helped him earn an opportunity to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of New Hampshire.
Throughout his development, his parents remained important supporters of his ambition to become a professional player.
Casey DeSmith’s College Hockey Career
Casey DeSmith joined the University of New Hampshire Wildcats for the 2011–12 season.
He quickly established himself as a talented goaltender.
During his freshman campaign, he appeared in 22 games and recorded a .926 save percentage.
He earned recognition on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
During the 2012–13 season, DeSmith became one of the conference’s leading goaltenders, posting five shutouts.
His performances helped New Hampshire compete at a high level in NCAA hockey.
He continued representing the Wildcats during the 2013–14 season.
According to his official university biography, DeSmith studied business while pursuing his college hockey career.
Casey DeSmith’s Journey to Professional Hockey
DeSmith was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft.
Nevertheless, he continued pursuing professional hockey opportunities after leaving college.
He began his professional career in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers.
His performances eventually earned him opportunities with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League.
During the 2016–17 AHL season, DeSmith established himself as one of the league’s leading goaltenders.
He recorded an impressive goals-against average of 2.01 and earned a place on the AHL All-Rookie Team.
He also shared the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award with teammate Tristan Jarry.
On July 1, 2017, DeSmith signed an NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The agreement represented a major achievement after several years of pursuing opportunities outside the NHL Draft system.
Casey DeSmith’s NHL Career
Casey DeSmith made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 18, 2018, against the Los Angeles Kings.
He gradually developed into a dependable NHL backup goaltender.
During the 2018–19 season, he appeared in 36 games and recorded 15 victories.
He continued representing Pittsburgh until 2023.
In September 2023, DeSmith was traded to the Vancouver Canucks.
He spent the 2023–24 season with Vancouver, providing depth behind starting goaltender Thatcher Demko.
After becoming an unrestricted free agent, he signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2024.
The move provided an opportunity to join a team competing regularly for the Stanley Cup.
Casey DeSmith’s Family Life in Dallas
DeSmith began his Dallas career during the 2024–25 NHL season.
He appeared in 27 regular-season games and recorded 14 victories, a .915 save percentage, and two shutouts.
His performances helped establish him as a reliable backup to Jake Oettinger.
During the 2025–26 season, DeSmith played 30 regular-season games and recorded 15 victories.
His success contributed to Dallas maintaining a strong goaltending combination.
On September 30, 2026, the Stars announced that they had signed DeSmith to a two-year contract extension worth $5 million.
The agreement begins with the 2027–28 season and runs through the 2028–29 campaign.
Following the announcement, DeSmith emphasized that his family enjoyed living in Dallas.
He specifically mentioned his children while discussing the importance of stability.
The contract gave him an opportunity to remain in a familiar environment rather than face another relocation.
His comments demonstrated how becoming a father had influenced his career priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Casey DeSmith’s Family
Who is Casey DeSmith’s wife?
Casey DeSmith’s wife is Ellie Pikula, a former University of Pittsburgh gymnast and track-and-field athlete who later established a career in public service and technology.
Is Casey DeSmith married?
Yes. Casey DeSmith married Ellie Pikula in July 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When did Casey DeSmith get married?
Casey DeSmith married Ellie Pikula in July 2019. Their marriage was confirmed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
What does Casey DeSmith’s wife do?
According to the University of Pittsburgh, Ellie Pikula has worked as an FBI special agent and senior intelligence analyst and became the co-founder and CEO of Vigilant, a safety-intelligence technology company.
Does Casey DeSmith have children?
Yes. DeSmith publicly confirmed that he has children during a September 30, 2026, interview about his Dallas Stars contract extension.
How many children does Casey DeSmith have?
The exact number of Casey DeSmith’s children has not been established in reliable public reporting. He referred to having children during his September 2026 interview.
What are Casey DeSmith’s children’s names?
The names of his children have not been reliably disclosed in major public hockey reporting.
Who are Casey DeSmith’s parents?
Casey DeSmith’s parents are Gary DeSmith and Patrice DeSmith, as confirmed by the University of New Hampshire’s official athletics biography.
Who is Casey DeSmith’s father?
Casey DeSmith’s father is Gary DeSmith. During his college hockey career, Casey identified Gary as the person he most admired outside sports.
Who is Casey DeSmith’s mother?
Casey DeSmith’s mother is Patrice DeSmith, who helped raise him and his two sisters in New Hampshire.
Does Casey DeSmith have siblings?
Yes. Casey DeSmith has two sisters named Kylene DeSmith and Kirin DeSmith.
Who are Casey DeSmith’s sisters?
Casey DeSmith’s sisters are Kylene and Kirin. He honored both sisters by placing two K symbols on his professional goaltender mask.
Does Casey DeSmith have a brother?
No brother has been reliably identified in the official university and professional hockey sources reviewed.
Where is Casey DeSmith’s family from?
Casey DeSmith grew up in Rochester, New Hampshire, United States.
What college did Casey DeSmith attend?
Casey DeSmith attended the University of New Hampshire, where he played NCAA Division I hockey and studied business.
Was Casey DeSmith drafted into the NHL?
No. Casey DeSmith was undrafted and later signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins after developing in the ECHL and American Hockey League.
How old is Casey DeSmith?
Casey DeSmith was born on August 13, 1991, making him 35 years old in November 2026.
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.
