Boston Bruins alternate captain Charlie McAvoy’s wife, Kiley Sullivan, recently delighted fans by sharing photos and videos of their son, Rhys Michael, wearing a mini hockey helmet adorned with the Bruins logo and McAvoy’s No. 73. These moments highlight the family’s deep connection to hockey and the beloved Boston Bruins team.
In one video clip, the tiny helmet bore the distinctive Bruins emblem and McAvoy’s jersey number on the back. Kiley captioned the post:
“When life gives you helmets, better make them hockey ones.”
Accompanying a charming photo of Rhys wearing the helmet, she added, “Just like my Dada!” Another image captured Rhys smiling happily as he proudly displayed the Bruins-themed mini helmet.
A Glimpse into the McAvoy Family’s Hockey Connections
Charlie McAvoy and Kiley Sullivan’s story began at Boston University, where the couple first met. They married on August 5, 2023, in a ceremony held at the Boston Public Library. Kiley, the daughter of New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, became a mother for the first time when Rhys Michael was born on January 26, 2025. Recently, McAvoy celebrated their second wedding anniversary by sharing a heartfelt post expressing gratitude for the support and love from his wife and mother of their child.
Playing Under Father-in-Law Mike Sullivan at the 4 Nations Face-Off
At the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Charlie McAvoy experienced a rare and meaningful opportunity as he played for Team USA, coached by his father-in-law, Mike Sullivan. This moment carried special significance for McAvoy and his family, blending personal and professional milestones.
“Rreally just how amazing it is. Me and my wife, with Rhys, we just brought a son into the world. His dad got to play for his grandpa. How incredible that is and just how rare,”
—Charlie McAvoy, Bruins Alternate Captain
“Really it’s something that none of us ever could have dreamed of. There’s no crystal ball that would have shown us that. It’s just amazing and I know the pride that I’ve seen in my wife and just how proud she is of her dad and of me and it’s just extremely special.”
—Charlie McAvoy, Bruins Alternate Captain
Mike Sullivan mentioned that when the family gathers, hockey conversations are kept to a minimum. He respects the boundaries with McAvoy’s Bruins coaches and does not intervene in Charlie’s professional career, maintaining harmony between family and sport.
The Significance of Hockey in the McAvoy-Sullivan Family
The images of Rhys Michael wearing his father’s Bruins mini helmet and the unique dynamic of McAvoy playing under his father-in-law’s guidance illustrate the strong hockey heritage embedded in their family life. These moments symbolize not only a shared passion for the sport but also the blending of personal and professional worlds.
As Charlie McAvoy’s career progresses, the support from his close-knit family, including Kiley and Mike Sullivan, remains a steady foundation. Fans can expect to see more special highlights from the McAvoy family, where hockey is both a career and a cherished tradition passed across generations.