Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Bernald Sanders

Carter Verhaeghe is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 14, 1995, Verhaeghe grew up in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, and has established himself as one of the NHL’s most successful playoff performers.
Beyond his hockey career, Verhaeghe is a husband, father, son, and brother. He is married to former model Casey Engleson, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Rory, in December 2025. His parents, Thomas and Karen Verhaeghe, supported his development from childhood, while his sister, Victoria Verhaeghe, is another important member of his family.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Girlfriend and Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Carter Verhaeghe is married to Casey Verhaeghe (née Engleson), a former professional model. The couple married on July 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Wife: Casey Engleson
Casey Engleson is a former model who previously worked with Elite Management. She has also been involved in charitable activities, particularly organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
According to an exclusive interview published by People magazine in August 2024, Carter and Casey began dating in 2021.
During the early stages of their relationship, the couple frequently enjoyed driving along Florida’s scenic A1A highway toward Palm Beach.
Those experiences made Palm Beach a particularly meaningful location for them, eventually influencing their decision to hold their wedding there.
After approximately two years together, Carter proposed to Casey on August 4, 2023, during a romantic vacation in St. Lucia.
Casey accepted his proposal, and the couple began planning their wedding.
Carter Verhaeghe and Casey’s Wedding
Carter Verhaeghe and Casey Engleson exchanged wedding vows on July 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.
The ceremony took place approximately one month after Verhaeghe helped the Florida Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup championship.
The couple organized a celebration attended by approximately 130 family members and friends.
According to People magazine, the wedding celebrations included a beach gathering, a rehearsal dinner at Renato’s restaurant, and a welcome party featuring a cigar bar and gelato cart.
On the wedding day, guests participated in a pickleball tournament before attending the outdoor ceremony.
Casey wore a high-neck lace wedding gown from Pronovias Atelier, inspired by the iconic wedding dress worn by Grace Kelly.
She walked down the aisle while a string quartet performed Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah.”
For the reception, the couple selected elegant green-and-gold decorations, floral arrangements, and a five-tier wedding cake.
The newlyweds entered their reception to “Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy, a reference to Carter’s hockey nickname, “Swaggy.”
The wedding was an important milestone in their relationship and received coverage from several entertainment and sports publications.
Casey Verhaeghe’s Charity Work
Casey has been involved with Best Buddies, an international nonprofit organization promoting inclusion and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In a 2026 interview published by the Florida Panthers, Carter explained that his wife had been involved with Best Buddies for approximately a decade.
Her interest in the organization encouraged him to become more involved in charitable activities.
The couple has also supported children’s hospitals and community organizations in South Florida.
In July 2024, Carter and Casey visited Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where they surprised young patients with gifts and spent time with hospital staff.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
Carter Verhaeghe has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Rory Verhaeghe. He and his wife, Casey, welcomed their first child on December 2, 2025.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Son: Rory Verhaeghe
Rory was born in December 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in Carter and Casey’s marriage.
Verhaeghe temporarily stepped away from the Florida Panthers to attend the birth of his son, missing the team’s December 2 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He returned to team activities on December 4, 2025, and spoke publicly about becoming a father.
During an interview with the Panthers, Carter expressed pride in his wife and excitement about welcoming their son.
He explained that witnessing Rory’s birth was an unforgettable experience and that becoming a parent had given him a new perspective on life.
Rory reportedly weighed 8 pounds and 15 ounces at birth.
How Did Carter Verhaeghe Choose His Son’s Name?
In a December 9, 2025, interview with the Florida Panthers, Carter explained how he and Casey selected the name Rory.
He revealed that both parents liked the name, which also appeared in children’s books they had purchased before their son’s birth.
Casey additionally remembered a television character named Rory from a program she watched with her mother while growing up.
These personal connections helped the couple choose the name for their first child.
Verhaeghe also discussed how his teammates, many of whom were already fathers, had offered him practical parenting advice.
Despite the demands of NHL travel, Carter said he regularly used video calls to stay connected with Casey and Rory while away from home.
There is no reliable public confirmation that Carter Verhaeghe has a daughter or additional children.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Carter Verhaeghe was raised by his parents, Thomas Verhaeghe and Karen Verhaeghe, in Waterdown, Ontario.
Both parents played essential roles in supporting his childhood sporting activities and eventual development into an NHL player.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Father: Thomas Verhaeghe
Thomas Verhaeghe is Carter Verhaeghe’s father and a firefighter who helped introduce his son to ice hockey.
Thomas was heavily involved in Carter’s early hockey development, regularly driving him to practices and games.
He also coached youth hockey when Carter was younger.
In September 2020, Carter discussed his father’s influence in a personal blog published by NHL.com during the Stanley Cup Final.
At the time, Thomas traveled from Waterdown to Edmonton to watch his son compete with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Because the championship was being played inside a restricted environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas had to follow quarantine and testing procedures before attending games.
Carter explained that having his father present was especially meaningful because Thomas had supported his hockey ambitions for many years.
Thomas witnessed Carter win his first Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in September 2020.
Four years later, he celebrated another championship when Carter helped the Florida Panthers defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
During the family’s August 2024 Stanley Cup celebration in Waterdown, Thomas spoke about the pride he felt watching his son overcome challenges to establish himself in the NHL.
He explained that Carter had experienced difficult periods during his career but continued working toward his goals.
Thomas also expressed how meaningful it was to see the Verhaeghe family name engraved on the Stanley Cup.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Mother: Karen Verhaeghe
Karen Verhaeghe is Carter Verhaeghe’s mother. She supported her son’s sporting interests throughout his childhood and remains closely connected to his achievements.
Like Thomas, Karen regularly accompanied Carter to practices and competitions as he developed his hockey skills.
During an August 2024 interview with FlamboroughToday, Karen recalled that her son had displayed an interest in hockey from an exceptionally young age.
She explained that Carter was already playing road hockey when he was approximately 18 months old.
His enthusiasm for the sport was evident long before he began playing organized competitive hockey.
Karen continued supporting Carter as he progressed through minor hockey and eventually joined the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League.
In 2024, she joined Thomas and other family members for Carter’s Stanley Cup celebration in Waterdown.
The event gave the family an opportunity to share his championship success with the community where he grew up.
Although Karen has appeared in interviews about her son’s sporting achievements, information about her professional occupation remains relatively private.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?
Carter Verhaeghe has one publicly confirmed sibling, a sister named Victoria Verhaeghe.
His sister is identified in the official 2013 Hockey Canada media guide for the IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Sister: Victoria Verhaeghe
Victoria Verhaeghe grew up alongside Carter in Waterdown, Ontario.
During their childhood, the siblings participated in sports and shared an upbringing centered on outdoor activities and family life.
Available biographical accounts describe Carter and Victoria as having participated in hockey, lacrosse, and soccer while growing up.
Although Carter pursued professional ice hockey, Victoria has maintained a comparatively private public profile.
There is no reliable public information establishing that she pursued a professional sporting career.
Victoria was among the family members connected to Carter’s Stanley Cup celebrations in Waterdown in August 2024.
During the event, Carter expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share his achievement with his wife, sister, parents, cousins, and other relatives.
Further verified information about Victoria’s occupation, relationship status, and personal life remains limited.
Does Carter Verhaeghe Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Carter Verhaeghe has a brother.
Hockey Canada’s official 2013 player profile identifies his parents as Thomas and Karen and lists one sister, Victoria.
Available family interviews have not established the existence of additional siblings.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Grandparents and Extended Family
Carter Verhaeghe also maintains strong connections with his extended family in Ontario, including his grandmother.
During his August 2024 Stanley Cup celebration in Waterdown, his grandmother, who had recently turned 92, attended an event where he displayed the trophy.
Verhaeghe expressed happiness that she was able to participate in the occasion.
The celebration included a visit to the local hockey arena, photographs with supporters, and a family gathering.
He also enjoyed ice cream from the Stanley Cup with family members at the end of the day.
The occasion demonstrated the close relationship he maintains with his hometown and extended family.
Carter Verhaeghe’s Family Background and Early Life
Carter Verhaeghe grew up in Waterdown, a community in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
His parents encouraged his sporting interests from an early age, allowing him to develop his skills through organized minor hockey.
He played for local organizations, including teams associated with Flamborough and the Hamilton Junior Bulldogs, before progressing to higher levels of competition.
During his teenage years, Carter attended St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and played competitive hockey in the Hamilton area.
He later joined the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League, where he developed into a promising offensive forward.
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected him in the third round, 82nd overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Despite being drafted by Toronto, Verhaeghe had to work through several minor league organizations before earning a permanent NHL opportunity.
He made his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning in October 2019 and helped the organization win the Stanley Cup in 2020.
After signing with the Florida Panthers in October 2020, he developed into one of the team’s most dependable playoff performers.
He helped Florida win consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, bringing his career total to three championships.
In October 2026, Verhaeghe reached the milestone of 500 NHL regular-season games.
Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently acknowledged the importance of his family and the support he received during his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carter Verhaeghe’s Family
Who is Carter Verhaeghe’s wife?
Carter Verhaeghe is married to Casey Verhaeghe, formerly Casey Engleson. She is a former professional model who has also been involved in charitable activities.
Does Carter Verhaeghe have a girlfriend?
Carter Verhaeghe is married to his longtime partner, Casey Engleson. The couple began dating in 2021 and married in July 2024.
When did Carter Verhaeghe get married?
Carter Verhaeghe married Casey Engleson on July 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.
Does Carter Verhaeghe have children?
Yes. Carter Verhaeghe and his wife welcomed their first child, a son named Rory, on December 2, 2025.
Who is Carter Verhaeghe’s son?
His son is Rory Verhaeghe, born in December 2025. Carter discussed his son’s birth and the experience of becoming a father in interviews with the Florida Panthers.
Does Carter Verhaeghe have a daughter?
There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Carter Verhaeghe has a daughter.
Who is Carter Verhaeghe’s father?
His father is Thomas Verhaeghe, a firefighter who introduced Carter to hockey and helped coach him during his childhood.
Who is Carter Verhaeghe’s mother?
His mother is Karen Verhaeghe, who supported his hockey development and attended his Stanley Cup celebrations in Waterdown.
Does Carter Verhaeghe have siblings?
Yes. Carter Verhaeghe has a sister named Victoria Verhaeghe, according to his official Hockey Canada player profile.
Does Carter Verhaeghe have a brother?
No brother has been publicly confirmed. Hockey Canada’s official profile identifies one sister, Victoria.
Where is Carter Verhaeghe from?
Carter Verhaeghe grew up in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, where he began playing organized ice hockey.
How many Stanley Cups has Carter Verhaeghe won?
Carter Verhaeghe has won three Stanley Cup championships: one with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and two with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
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.
