Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Yaroslav Askarov is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 16, 2002, in Omsk, Russia, he grew up in a working-class family that made significant sacrifices to support his hockey ambitions.
In his personal life, Askarov is married to Aleksandra Askarova, also known as Alexandra. The couple married in June 2021, when Yaroslav was 19 years old. His wife previously worked as a dancer for a hockey team in Saint Petersburg and has created social media content documenting their life together.
Askarov’s parents supported his development from childhood, with his father working in the furniture industry and his mother helping manage the family’s move from Omsk to Saint Petersburg. He also has a younger brother, approximately eight years his junior.
Although Askarov has spoken openly about his wife, parents, and brother, there are no reliable public reports confirming that he has children.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Wife: Who Is Aleksandra Askarova?
Yaroslav Askarov is married to Aleksandra Askarova, whom he met while playing professional hockey in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Aleksandra has also been identified in English-language interviews as Alex or Alexandra.
Their relationship became publicly known before they married in June 2021.
According to an April 8, 2024, interview published by The Tennessean, Aleksandra was a dancer for the Saint Petersburg hockey team associated with Askarov’s playing career.
Yaroslav first noticed her at a hockey game and subsequently contacted her through Instagram.
The couple began communicating online before meeting in person.
How Did Yaroslav Askarov Meet His Wife?
Yaroslav and Aleksandra met through their connection to professional hockey in Saint Petersburg.
Askarov was developing his career with SKA Saint Petersburg, while Aleksandra participated in the team’s dance performances.
In his April 2024 interview with The Tennessean, Askarov explained that he noticed Aleksandra during a game.
Rather than approaching her immediately, he found her Instagram profile and sent her a direct message.
They communicated online for approximately one month before going on their first date.
The relationship developed quickly, and the couple married approximately nine months after meeting, according to the same interview.
Askarov has discussed their relationship with humor, occasionally sharing stories about their early conversations and everyday experiences.
When Did Yaroslav Askarov Get Married?
Yaroslav Askarov and Aleksandra married in June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, SKA Saint Petersburg publicly congratulated the newlyweds through the club’s social media account.
The announcement was reported by the Russian sports publication Sports.ru, which identified Aleksandra as Askarov’s wife.
Yaroslav had recently celebrated his 19th birthday when the marriage became public.
The wedding took place during the offseason, while he was continuing his development as one of Russia’s leading young goaltenders.
Although their marriage was publicly announced on June 25, the available reporting does not independently establish the precise date or venue of the ceremony.
What Does Aleksandra Askarova Do?
Aleksandra Askarova has a background in dance, social media, and digital content creation.
Before moving to North America, she participated in dance performances associated with SKA Saint Petersburg.
Russian sports reporting has also described her involvement in cheerleading and TikTok content creation.
She attended a university in Saint Petersburg, pursuing her education while supporting Yaroslav’s hockey career.
After the couple moved to the United States, Aleksandra began sharing photographs and videos about their experiences abroad.
Her content has included everyday activities, travel, and behind-the-scenes moments from their life in professional hockey.
According to a January 2023 report by Sport24, she regularly attended Yaroslav’s home games when he played for the Milwaukee Admirals.
She also maintained an active presence on YouTube and TikTok.
Her current occupation beyond content creation has not been independently established through recent public reporting.
Aleksandra’s Support During Yaroslav’s NHL Career
Aleksandra has supported her husband during several important professional transitions.
When Askarov left Russia in 2022 to join the Nashville Predators organization, the couple began adapting to life in North America.
They spent time in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Yaroslav played for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.
In his April 2024 interview with The Tennessean, Askarov explained that Aleksandra had temporarily returned to Russia to complete her education.
He jokingly described having to take care of cooking and cleaning while she was away.
Following his move to the San Jose Sharks organization in August 2024, the couple continued building their life in California.
In a September 2024 interview with San Jose Hockey Now, Askarov praised his wife’s cooking.
The publication also reported that Yaroslav and Aleksandra maintained a Russian-language YouTube channel featuring conversations about hockey and their life in the United States.
During the NHL’s February 2026 Olympic break, the couple vacationed together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, according to San Jose Hockey Now.
The trip demonstrated that Aleksandra remained an important part of his life as he established himself with the Sharks.
Does Yaroslav Askarov Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Yaroslav Askarov has children.
Although he married Aleksandra in 2021, neither has been reliably reported to have announced the birth of a son or daughter.
Interviews with Askarov have discussed his wife, parents, younger brother, and family activities, but they do not identify any children.
Therefore, the most accurate description is that Yaroslav Askarov has no publicly confirmed children.
This does not establish that the couple will never have children or reveal anything about their private family plans.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Parents
Yaroslav Askarov was raised by his parents in Omsk, Russia.
Both were enthusiastic hockey supporters, although neither had a professional athletic career.
In a March 2019 interview with Championat, Askarov described his parents as ordinary working people who encouraged his sporting interests without placing unnecessary pressure on him.
His father worked at a furniture factory, while biographical reporting has described his mother as working in a computer-related field.
The first names of both parents have not been independently verified through the strongest interviews reviewed for this article.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Father
Yaroslav Askarov’s father was one of the most important influences on his early hockey development.
Before Yaroslav was born, his father regularly attended games involving Avangard Omsk, the city’s professional hockey team.
According to Askarov’s 2019 Championat interview, his parents enjoyed watching Avangard games together even before they married.
When Yaroslav was approximately five years old, his parents bought him his first pair of skates.
His father then helped him practice at a neighborhood outdoor rink.
Askarov enjoyed spending time on the ice and gradually became interested in organized hockey.
How His Father Introduced Him to Organized Hockey
One important moment occurred when Yaroslav accompanied his father and a family friend to an Avangard hockey game.
During their conversation, his father learned that the club’s youth development center was recruiting children born in 2002.
Because Yaroslav already had basic skating experience, his father arranged for him to attend the program.
He successfully joined Avangard’s youth hockey system.
Initially, he played for enjoyment rather than with the expectation of becoming a professional athlete.
However, his interest in goaltending developed quickly.
He frequently wanted to stand in goal during youth practices, attracting the attention of his coaches.
Those early experiences eventually led him to pursue the position full-time.
His Father’s Sacrifice During the Move to Saint Petersburg
As Askarov improved, he received an opportunity to join the Buldogi youth hockey organization in Saint Petersburg.
The offer represented a significant opportunity, but accepting it meant leaving the family’s home in Omsk.
In his Championat interview, Askarov explained that his family discussed the decision together.
His father agreed to move with him first so they could determine whether the new environment was suitable.
At the time, his father worked in furniture manufacturing and believed his professional skills would allow him to find employment in another city.
The family also received assistance with housing and hockey equipment from the youth club’s sponsor.
After approximately one year, Yaroslav’s mother and younger brother joined them in Saint Petersburg.
The move demonstrated his father’s willingness to change jobs and relocate to help his son pursue hockey.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Mother
Yaroslav Askarov’s mother also played an important role in his upbringing and hockey development.
She supported his participation in organized sports and encouraged him during periods of uncertainty.
According to published biographical reporting, she worked in a computer-related occupation while the family lived in Omsk.
When Yaroslav initially moved to Saint Petersburg with his father, she remained in Omsk with his younger brother.
She subsequently relocated to Saint Petersburg after the family became comfortable with the new arrangements.
Although her full name and later professional activities have not been independently verified, her support has been documented in interviews with her son.
His Mother’s Reaction to His KHL Debut
One particularly memorable family moment occurred on November 27, 2019.
Askarov was selected to make his Kontinental Hockey League debut with SKA Saint Petersburg against HC Sochi.
He was only 17 years old.
In an interview published by the KHL the following day, Askarov recalled telling his parents that he would be starting the game.
His mother was initially surprised and repeatedly asked him whether he would really be playing from the beginning.
Both parents attended the game to support him.
Askarov made 23 saves as SKA defeated Sochi 4-2.
The achievement was especially meaningful because his parents had supported his development since he first began skating in Omsk.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Brother
Yaroslav Askarov has one publicly documented sibling, a younger brother.
Their relationship is confirmed in interviews published by the KHL, Championat, and San Jose hockey media.
His younger brother’s name has not been independently verified through reliable public sources.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Younger Brother
Askarov’s younger brother is approximately eight years younger than him.
During a December 2020 interview with the KHL, Yaroslav explained that he had a brother who was eight years his junior.
That places his younger brother’s approximate birth year around 2010, although his exact birthday has not been publicly established.
Both brothers spent part of their childhood in Omsk before the family relocated to Saint Petersburg.
When Yaroslav moved to Saint Petersburg with their father, his brother initially remained in Omsk with their mother.
The younger boy subsequently joined the rest of the family after approximately one year.
Does Yaroslav Askarov’s Brother Play Hockey?
Yaroslav has discussed the possibility of helping his younger brother learn hockey, although no reliable source establishes that the younger sibling has pursued a professional career.
In his December 2020 KHL interview, Askarov explained that his grandfather had previously taken him to hockey practices in Omsk.
He noted that his younger brother did not have the same opportunity because their grandfather remained in Omsk while the family lived elsewhere.
Askarov also acknowledged that his own hockey schedule made it difficult to spend time helping his brother train.
The statements demonstrate that he remained aware of his younger sibling’s experiences despite the demands of professional hockey.
His Younger Brother’s Visit to San Jose
In December 2025, Yaroslav discussed spending the Christmas holiday with his family in California.
During an interview published by Fear the Fin, he explained that his parents and younger brother would be joining him in San Jose.
He described having his family nearby as the most important part of the holiday.
The visit provided an opportunity to reconnect with relatives who lived thousands of miles away in Russia.
It also illustrated the close relationship Askarov maintained with his younger brother after moving to North America.
Does Yaroslav Askarov Have a Sister?
No sister has been reliably confirmed in Askarov’s direct interviews with the KHL or major hockey publications.
The most consistent first-person reporting identifies a younger brother.
Although an older local news report referred to a sister during the family’s relocation, that account conflicts with multiple interviews identifying a younger brother.
Therefore, the younger brother is the only sibling whose relationship is firmly established through Askarov’s own statements.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Grandparents
Askarov has also spoken about his grandparents and their influence on his childhood.
His grandfather lived in Omsk and helped him attend skating and hockey practices when he was young.
During a December 2020 KHL interview, Askarov recalled that his grandfather regularly took him to the rink.
The experience allowed him to spend additional time practicing outside formal youth hockey activities.
His grandparents remained in Omsk after his immediate family relocated to Saint Petersburg.
Askarov has expressed appreciation for returning to his hometown to visit relatives whenever his hockey schedule permits.
However, the names and personal backgrounds of his grandparents have not been independently confirmed.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Childhood and Family Background
Yaroslav Askarov was born on June 16, 2002, in Omsk, Russia.
He grew up in a modest household where hockey was an important recreational interest.
Unlike some professional players, he did not come from a family of professional athletes.
In an interview with the KHL, he explained that his family enjoyed sports even though nobody had pursued a professional athletic career.
Omsk’s cold winters provided numerous opportunities to skate outdoors.
Askarov often visited an ice rink near his family’s apartment building.
His father and grandfather helped him develop his skating ability.
He eventually joined Avangard Omsk’s youth hockey system, where coaches encouraged him to specialize as a goaltender.
His parents later supported the family’s move to Saint Petersburg so he could continue his development in a stronger competitive environment.
How Yaroslav Askarov’s Family Supported His Hockey Career
Askarov’s development required considerable commitment from his family.
His father relocated from Omsk to Saint Petersburg, while his mother and younger brother joined them later.
Both parents supported his progression through youth hockey and eventually the SKA Saint Petersburg organization.
In November 2019, they attended his debut in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Askarov subsequently became one of Russia’s most highly regarded young goaltenders.
He represented Russia at several international tournaments, including the World Under-18 Championship and World Junior Championship.
At the 2020 World Junior Championship, he helped Russia win a silver medal.
His performances attracted significant attention from NHL scouts.
Yaroslav Askarov’s NHL Draft and Move to North America
On October 6, 2020, the Nashville Predators selected Yaroslav Askarov in the first round with the 11th overall pick of the NHL Draft.
He was the highest-selected goaltender in that year’s draft.
Askarov continued his development in Russia before signing a three-year entry-level contract with Nashville in May 2022.
He subsequently moved to North America and joined the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.
His wife Aleksandra accompanied him during part of the transition.
The couple adapted to life in the United States while he developed his professional career.
Askarov made his NHL debut with Nashville on January 12, 2023, against the Montreal Canadiens.
He earned his first NHL victory on December 30, 2023, against the Washington Capitals.
During the 2023–24 AHL season, he recorded 30 wins and six shutouts with Milwaukee.
His performance earned him recognition on the league’s Top Prospects Team.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Move to the San Jose Sharks
On August 23, 2024, the Nashville Predators traded Askarov to the San Jose Sharks.
The deal included several players and draft picks.
San Jose subsequently signed him to a two-year, $4 million contract extension beginning with the 2025–26 season.
He initially spent time with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League before receiving an NHL recall.
During the 2025–26 season, Askarov established himself as a regular NHL goaltender.
He emerged as one of the league’s leading rookie goaltenders and became an important part of San Jose’s young roster.
On April 12, 2026, the Sharks announced that he had been selected as the team’s Rookie of the Year.
He became the first San Jose goaltender to receive the award since Evgeni Nabokov during the 2000–01 season.
His continued development represents the achievement of an ambition that began when his family first introduced him to hockey in Omsk.
Yaroslav Askarov’s Family Life in California
Since joining the San Jose Sharks, Askarov has continued balancing professional hockey with family responsibilities.
His wife Aleksandra has shared selected aspects of their American life through social media.
The couple also enjoys traveling together during breaks in the NHL schedule.
They visited Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the February 2026 Olympic break.
Askarov has also discussed maintaining contact with relatives in Russia.
In December 2025, his parents and younger brother planned to visit him in California for Christmas.
The visit was particularly meaningful because the family had been separated by the distance between Russia and the United States.
His comments demonstrate that family remains an important priority despite the demands of professional hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yaroslav Askarov’s Family
Who is Yaroslav Askarov’s wife?
Yaroslav Askarov is married to Aleksandra Askarova, a former Saint Petersburg hockey team dancer and social media content creator.
Is Yaroslav Askarov married?
Yes. Askarov married Aleksandra in June 2021, when he was 19 years old.
How did Yaroslav Askarov meet his wife?
He noticed Aleksandra while she was performing at a hockey game in Saint Petersburg. He subsequently contacted her through Instagram, and they began dating after approximately a month of online conversations.
What does Yaroslav Askarov’s wife do?
Aleksandra previously worked as a dancer and has created TikTok, YouTube, and other social media content about their lives.
Does Yaroslav Askarov have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Yaroslav Askarov and his wife Aleksandra.
Who are Yaroslav Askarov’s parents?
His parents are Russian working professionals who raised him in Omsk before moving to Saint Petersburg. Their first names have not been independently established in the sources reviewed.
Who is Yaroslav Askarov’s father?
His father worked in furniture manufacturing and helped introduce him to hockey during childhood. He also moved with Yaroslav to Saint Petersburg to support his development.
Who is Yaroslav Askarov’s mother?
His mother supported his hockey career and attended his Kontinental Hockey League debut in November 2019. Biographical reports have described her as working in a computer-related field.
Does Yaroslav Askarov have siblings?
Yes. Yaroslav Askarov has a younger brother who is approximately eight years younger than him.
What is Yaroslav Askarov’s brother’s name?
His younger brother’s name has not been reliably established through publicly available hockey interviews.
Does Yaroslav Askarov have a sister?
No sister is consistently confirmed through Askarov’s own interviews. His younger brother is his only reliably documented sibling.
Where is Yaroslav Askarov from?
He is from Omsk, Russia, where he began skating before moving to Saint Petersburg to continue his hockey development.
What NHL team does Yaroslav Askarov play for?
Yaroslav Askarov plays for the San Jose Sharks, who acquired him from the Nashville Predators in August 2024.
Was Yaroslav Askarov a first-round NHL Draft pick?
Yes. The Nashville Predators selected him 11th overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
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.
