Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie Connell: A private love story

In the NHL, Matthew Tkachuk has made a name for himself. Off the ice, he found someone who matched his drive. Ellie Connell first appeared in his life publicly in 2022. She showed up on his Instagram in a vacation post.
By 2023, they were seen together at the NHL Awards. Their bond grew quietly away from too much attention. In April 2024, their engagement became public. Photos shared online showed Tkachuk proposing on a boat in Fort Lauderdale.
Connell stood by his side during the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win in 2024. She celebrated alongside his family and friends. Their love story has stayed private but has remained strong through big life moments.


Ellie Connell has built her own career. She works as a luxury travel advisor. Her business focuses on creating custom trips for her clients in Travel Untethered.
Connell grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age she loved traveling. Her passion of helping others see the world, turned into a full-time job.
She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Here she studied digital media and advertising. She worked at Worldwide Express and interned at Fox Sports, before starting her travel business.
Connell keeps her personal life off social media. Her pages are private, and she rarely makes public appearances. She supports Tkachuk from behind the scenes, focusing on her career and family.


Connell was there to celebrate every moment. The 2023-2024 hockey season was huge for Tkachuk. Here he lead the Panthers towards a Stanley Cup win
After the final game, she joined him on the ice. She celebrated alongside his parents, Keith and Chantal Tkachuk, and his sister Taryn. Photos later showed their family’s happiness and pride.
Connell's presence made it clear she is a big part of Tkachuk’s support system. She fits in naturally with his tight-knit family. Her steady presence has become a part of Tkachuk’s personal and professional success.
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Tkachuk and Connell are moving into the next phase of their lives. He will appear in Amazon Prime’s new hockey docuseries, FACEOFF: Inside the NHL.
Even as their profiles grow, they are likely to stay private about their personal life. Connell continues to build her travel business. Tkachuk remains focused on his hockey career.
Their relationship is based on trust, support, and shared goals. Whether celebrating a Stanley Cup or planning their wedding, they are building a future together.
Fans may see glimpses of their journey, but most of their story will stay just between them. Their love shows that real connections often grow strongest away from the cameras.