Zemgus Girgensons Bio: Children, Net Worth, Awards, Instagram, Parents, Height, Ethnicity

Zemgus Girgensons, is a prominent Latvian professional ice hockey forward in the National Hockey League, best known as the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history after the Buffalo Sabres selected him 14th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

He spent his first ten seasons with the Sabres as a reliable two-way center and checking-line player, earning fan-favorite status through his work ethic, physical play, and leadership on a rebuilding team.

Girgensons became the first Latvian to participate in an NHL All-Star Game in 2015 due to massive online voting support from his home country.

He joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent in 2024, continuing to contribute as a depth forward with strong defensive skills and penalty-kill expertise.

Profile

• Full Name: Zemgus Girgensons
• Born: 5 January 1994
• Age: 32 years old
• Birthplace: Riga, Latvia
• Nationality: Latvian
• Occupation: Professional Ice Hockey Forward
• Height: 1.88 m
• Parents: Aldis Girgensons and Mrs. Girgensons
• Siblings: Annija Girgensone
• Spouse: Katie Sullivan (m. 2019)
• Children: Hadlee Girgensons, Lucas Daniel Girgensons
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Zemgus Girgensons was born on January 5, 1994, in Riga, Latvia. He grew up in an ice hockey-oriented family with his father Aldis Girgensons, a former defenseman and current team manager, and his mother referred to as Mrs. Girgensons.

He has one sibling, his sister Annija Girgensone. Girgensons started his hockey journey at the EVHS hockey school in Latvia under coach Edmunds Vasiļjevs.

He moved to North America in 2009 to play junior hockey, first in the Eastern Junior Hockey League with the Green Mountain Glades and then in the United States Hockey League with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, where he won a championship in 2011 and served as captain in 2011–12. He is of Latvian ethnicity and has kept his religion private.

Career

Zemgus Girgensons launched his professional path in Latvian youth leagues before relocating to North America in 2009 for junior development in the EJHL and USHL, where he captained the Dubuque Fighting Saints to a league title and earned All-Star recognition.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted him 14th overall in 2012, making him the highest Latvian pick in NHL history, surpassing Sandis Ozoliņš.

He signed his entry-level contract that summer, forgoing NCAA eligibility after a brief commitment to the University of Vermont, and debuted in the NHL in 2013–14, scoring his first goal in the season opener.

His early years featured solid two-way play and physicality that helped him establish himself on a rebuilding Sabres roster.

Girgensons achieved notable milestones during his decade in Buffalo, including leading fan voting to become the first Latvian NHL All-Star in 2015 and posting career-highs like 15 goals in 2014–15.

He signed multiple extensions, including a three-year deal in 2020 worth $6.6 million, and remained a steady presence through team transitions, contributing on the penalty kill and in faceoffs while accumulating over 688 games with the Sabres.

His consistency and leadership earned him respect as a core forward, even as the team struggled for playoffs.

Zemgus Girgensons continues his NHL tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning after signing a three-year, $2.55 million contract in 2024 as an unrestricted free agent, adding depth and experience to their forward group.

He maintains a role focused on defensive reliability, faceoff wins, and physical play while representing Latvia at international events.

His journey from Latvian youth prospect to long-term NHL contributor highlights perseverance and national pride, inspiring young players in Latvia and leaving a mark as one of the country’s top hockey exports.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @zemgus94
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: @zemgus94

Personal Life

Zemgus Girgensons married Katie Sullivan in July 2019 after meeting during his 2012 NHL Draft process and dating for several years; the couple shares a close family life with three children, including daughter Hadlee Girgensons, son Lucas Daniel Girgensons, and one additional child.

Katie, a former University of Pittsburgh cheerleader, supports him at games and shares family moments online.

Girgensons keeps his private life grounded, emphasizing time with his wife, kids, and extended family while balancing the demands of professional hockey and international commitments.

Net Worth

Zemgus Girgensons has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His main sources of income come from NHL contracts, including career earnings exceeding $20 million from deals with the Buffalo Sabres and his current three-year agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning, plus bonuses, endorsements, and international play compensation.