Sam Bennett’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents, and Siblings

Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Bernald Sanders

Sam Bennett is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a center for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 20, 1996, in Ontario, Canada, Bennett is known for his physical playing style, determination, and contributions to the Panthers’ Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.

Beyond his hockey career, Bennett is a husband and father. He is married to Zoe Bennett, formerly Zoe Zeleny, and the couple welcomed their first child in March 2026. His parents, Dave and Diane Bennett, were instrumental in his early hockey development.

Sam Bennett’s Girlfriend and Wife: Who Is He Married To?

Sam Bennett is married to Zoe Bennett (née Zeleny), his longtime girlfriend and partner. The couple got married in July 2025, shortly after Bennett helped the Florida Panthers win their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.

Sam Bennett’s Wife: Zoe Bennett

Zoe Bennett is known for her involvement in animal welfare and her charitable work alongside her husband.

Before getting married, Sam and Zoe had been together for several years. They announced their engagement in 2024 and later celebrated their wedding during the summer of 2025.

The wedding attracted attention among Florida Panthers fans because the newlyweds entered their reception accompanied by the team’s official goal song, “Panthers Pulse,” by Ownboss and Selva.

The couple shares a strong interest in helping animals. Together, they established a charitable initiative called Benny’s Buddies, which supports pet adoptions through the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.

The program was launched in October 2024. Through the initiative, Bennett sponsors a pet adoption fee for every goal he scores.

Zoe also volunteers at the Humane Society of Broward County. The couple adopted a dog named Billie and a cat named Gracie, further reflecting their affection for animals.

In September 2025, Sam and Zoe visited the animal shelter with the Stanley Cup to promote pet adoption and raise awareness about the charity.

Sam Bennett’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?

Sam Bennett has one publicly confirmed child, a son born in March 2026. The birth marked an important personal milestone for the Florida Panthers forward and his wife, Zoe.

Sam Bennett’s Son

In late March 2026, Bennett temporarily stepped away from the Florida Panthers lineup to be with his family during the birth of his first child.

He missed two games before returning to the team’s lineup against the Ottawa Senators on March 31, 2026.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Bennett’s absence was related to the birth of his son.

Speaking about becoming a father, Bennett expressed excitement about his child growing up alongside the children of his Florida Panthers teammates.

Although Bennett has discussed fatherhood publicly, he has kept his son’s name and other personal details relatively private.

There is no verified public information indicating that Bennett has a daughter or additional children.

Sam Bennett’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother

Sam Bennett was raised by his parents, Dave Bennett and Diane Bennett, in the Holland Landing area of Ontario, Canada.

His parents provided important support during his childhood and helped develop his passion for ice hockey.

Sam Bennett’s Father: Dave Bennett

Dave Bennett is Sam Bennett’s father and one of the most influential people in his hockey journey.

A longtime Toronto Maple Leafs supporter, Dave introduced Sam to ice hockey when he was young. He also built an outdoor skating rink in the family’s backyard, allowing his son to practice regularly.

Sam spent countless hours skating and playing hockey on that rink, experiences that helped strengthen his skills and passion for the sport.

Dave particularly admired former NHL player Doug Gilmour, whose competitive attitude and playing style became an inspiration for Sam.

When Sam joined the Kingston Frontenacs, he selected jersey number 93 partly as a tribute to Gilmour, his father’s favorite player.

Dave continued supporting his son’s professional career. During Bennett’s early years with the Calgary Flames, his father even lived with him in Calgary.

In interviews, Bennett has frequently acknowledged the important role his father played in introducing him to the game.

Sam Bennett’s Mother: Diane Bennett

Diane Bennett is Sam Bennett’s mother. She supported her son’s sporting ambitions throughout his childhood and remained closely involved as he progressed through junior hockey.

In a 2014 interview with Maclean’s, published through Sportsnet, Diane spoke about Sam’s competitive personality and determination to succeed.

Her comments followed the attention Bennett received after struggling with a pull-up test at the 2014 NHL Scouting Combine.

Diane defended her son’s dedication and emphasized that his competitive nature had always been part of his personality.

Sam has also recalled that his mother helped him prepare for hockey games when he was younger, including tying his skates and playing hockey with the family on their backyard rink.

According to a report published by The Hockey News in August 2025, Bennett’s mother works at Southlake Health in Newmarket, Ontario.

That year, Bennett visited the hospital with the Stanley Cup to spend time with patients and medical staff.

Sam Bennett’s Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?

Although Sam Bennett has spoken openly about his parents and grandparents, reliable public information about his brothers or sisters is limited.

Does Sam Bennett Have a Brother?

There is no widely verified public confirmation identifying a biological brother of Sam Bennett.

Some online biographies discuss his childhood and family relationships without mentioning any brothers. However, this does not necessarily mean that he is an only child.

Does Sam Bennett Have a Sister?

Similarly, no reliable public reports have established whether Bennett has a sister.

Because the hockey player has not publicly disclosed comprehensive information about his siblings, it would be inaccurate to identify any specific individual as his brother or sister without credible supporting evidence.

Sam Bennett’s Grandparents and Extended Family

Sam Bennett has spoken warmly about the role his grandparents played during his childhood.

In August 2025, he visited his 94-year-old grandmother at Sharon Corners Retirement Living in Ontario while spending a day with the Stanley Cup.

His grandmother was unable to attend the family’s Stanley Cup celebration that year, so Bennett personally brought the trophy to her.

He explained that his grandparents were important supporters during his early hockey development, frequently driving him to practices and games when his parents were unavailable.

Bennett also revealed that his grandmother continued sending him supportive messages after his games.

The visit demonstrated the close relationship he maintains with his extended family.

Sam Bennett’s Family Background and Early Life

Sam Bennett grew up in Holland Landing, a community within East Gwillimbury, Ontario, Canada.

His childhood revolved around hockey, family activities, and developing his athletic abilities.

With encouragement from his parents, Bennett played minor hockey for the York-Simcoe Express and later the Toronto Marlboros before joining the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.

During his youth, he also played alongside future NHL superstar Connor McDavid.

Bennett was selected fourth overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He eventually joined the Florida Panthers in April 2021.

His professional success included winning consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, as well as the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Bennett’s Family

Who is Sam Bennett’s wife?

Sam Bennett’s wife is Zoe Bennett, formerly known as Zoe Zeleny. The couple married in July 2025 after several years together.

Is Sam Bennett still dating Zoe Zeleny?

Sam Bennett and Zoe Zeleny are no longer just dating. They are married, and Zoe now goes by Zoe Bennett.

Does Sam Bennett have children?

Yes. Sam Bennett and his wife welcomed a son in March 2026. He missed two Florida Panthers games to be present for the birth.

What is Sam Bennett’s son’s name?

The name of Sam Bennett’s son has not been reliably confirmed in public reporting.

Who is Sam Bennett’s father?

His father is Dave Bennett, a hockey enthusiast who introduced him to the sport and built a backyard skating rink where he practiced as a child.

Who is Sam Bennett’s mother?

His mother is Diane Bennett, who supported his development throughout his youth hockey career and has worked at Southlake Health in Ontario.

Does Sam Bennett have siblings?

There is no reliable publicly confirmed information about whether Sam Bennett has brothers or sisters.

When did Sam Bennett get married?

Sam Bennett married Zoe Zeleny in July 2025, shortly after winning his second consecutive Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers.

Where is Sam Bennett from?

Sam Bennett is from Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada, where he grew up and began playing hockey.