All photos courtesy of Jonathan Marchessault
Jonathan Marchessault is enjoying every second of the hockey-dad life.
When he isn’t busy patrolling centre for the Nashville Predators, Marchessault, in his tenth NHL season and first with the Central Division club, finds himself in the role of a fan, proudly watching his kids enjoy the game.
From sneaking out at intermission during an NHL game to catch a glimpse of his six-year-old son, William, in a mini-game or watching William alongside his younger brother Henry, age five, and older brother, James, age 10, sharpen their skills with their Nashville Jr. Predators teams, the eldest Marchessault is at the top of his game as a hockey dad. He has even been known to strap on the skates to do some on-ice coaching.
“The best part of this is to be able to share the same passion for hockey as them,” said Jonathan, who won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023 with the Vegas Golden Knights.
“It’s also the thing I have the most knowledge about, so I can help them with things I never knew growing up.”
There have been several heartwarming hockey moments which have made the rounds on social media featuring the father of four. Jonathan and his wife, Alexandra, also are parents to a daughter, Victoria, age nine.
One such moment came last March when Jonathan and William each put on a show of their own at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Golden Knights.
Sitting on the bench during the first intermission to see William, wearing his father’s No. 81 jersey and playing in a mini-game, Jonathan had a front-row seat to take in all the action.
After the buzzer sounded, the two shared an embrace before dad headed back to the dressing room.
It wasn’t the only highlight that evening – Jonathan netted a hat trick, including the game-winning tally, in a 5-3 Vegas win.
“That was a great night all around,” said the native of Cap-Rouge, Quebec. “I love watching them play and enjoying the game.”
The Marchessault kids have an ideal role model in their father.
Undrafted at the NHL level, Jonathan has since become a three-time 30-goal scorer and is the Golden Knights’ all-time franchise leader in goals (192) and points (417).
During Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup run, he earned the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP after tying all post-season skaters in goals (13) and finishing second in points (25).
Closing in on 700 games, Jonathan, who is second in scoring on Nashville with 38 points this season, is happy to share some of the helpful hockey advice he has been given over the years.
“I think being positive and giving constructive advice is a good mindset to have,” said the former standout with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. “I want them to have fun, work hard and have a love for the game.”
There is no doubt the player, who has also suited up with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers during his NHL career, is happy to be along for the ride – sometimes, literally.
“I think the tournaments, to watch them play, are the best. That’s why I don’t mind them travelling a lot … because of their passion for the game.”
While hockey has a huge presence in his family life, Jonathan doesn’t mind setting aside his hockey-dad role for other things.
In fact, he welcomes it.
“I like just nice days at the house and spending time together. I don’t mind what we do – just being together is the most important thing.”
Exactly what you would expect to hear from a true team player.
