Who Is Mark Scheifele’s Wife? Everything About the NHL Star’s Relationship and Personal Life
Mark Scheifele has solidified his reputation as the cornerstone of the Winnipeg Jets franchise, serving as a consistent offensive force and a leader within the locker room for over a decade. While his on-ice performance is meticulously documented by analysts and fans alike, his life away from the rink often garners significant curiosity, specifically regarding his marital status. Contrary to common search queries, the NHL star does not currently have a wife; however, he is involved in a serious, long-term relationship with Olympic gold medalist Dara Howell, forming one of the most athletic and high-profile couples in Canadian winter sports.
Clarifying the Relationship Status
For fans searching for "Who is Mark Scheifele’s wife? Everything about the NHL star’s relationship and personal life," the answer requires a distinction between marriage and long-term commitment. As of early 2024, Mark Scheifele remains unmarried. However, his personal life is far from solitary. He has been linked for several years to Dara Howell, a celebrated Canadian athlete in her own right. This distinction is important, as the couple shares a life that mirrors many married partnerships, including shared properties and a deep integration into each other’s families, without the official title of husband and wife.
The confusion often stems from the longevity of their relationship. In the world of professional sports, where relationships can sometimes be fleeting or highly publicized, Scheifele and Howell have maintained a steady, supportive partnership that has outlasted many celebrity marriages. Their bond is built not just on romantic affection, but on a shared understanding of the extreme discipline, travel schedules, and public scrutiny required to compete at the highest levels of international sport.
Meet Dara Howell: An Olympic Champion
To define Dara Howell simply as Mark Scheifele's girlfriend would be a disservice to her decorated career. Born in Huntsville, Ontario, Howell is a pioneer in the sport of freestyle skiing. She catapulted to international fame during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where she won the gold medal in the inaugural women's slopestyle skiing event. Her victory was a landmark moment for Canada, cementing her legacy as one of the country’s premier winter athletes.
Howell’s career trajectory shares many parallels with Scheifele’s. Both achieved success at a young age and have had to navigate the pressures of maintaining elite performance over many years. Howell has faced the physical toll of freestyle skiing, including injuries and the mental fortitude required to return to competition. This shared background likely serves as a foundational element of their relationship. When Scheifele faces the grueling grind of an 82-game NHL season or the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has a partner who implicitly understands the physical recovery and mental resilience required to perform.
A Relationship Rooted in Ontario
The connection between Scheifele and Howell is deeply rooted in their shared geography. Mark Scheifele hails from Kitchener, Ontario, while Howell is from the Muskoka region. The couple spends a significant amount of their off-season time in Ontario’s cottage country. This downtime is essential for Scheifele, who is known to be a dedicated student of the game, often labeled a "hockey nerd" for his obsession with watching film and refining his skills. Howell’s presence provides a balance, offering a connection to nature and a respite from the high-pressure environment of Winnipeg.
Their relationship timeline has been relatively private, a deliberate choice that aligns with Scheifele’s generally reserved nature. While they do not shy away from social media entirely, often posting photos of their summer activities, golfing, or boating in Muskoka, they avoid the tabloid-style oversharing common among modern celebrities. This discretion has allowed them to cultivate a relationship defined by their own terms rather than public expectation.
The Impact of Stability on Scheifele’s Career
Sports psychologists and analysts often point to stability in a player's personal life as a key factor in on-ice consistency. Scheifele’s career with the Winnipeg Jets supports this theory. Since establishing himself as a top-line center, he has been a point-per-game player for the majority of his tenure. In October 2023, Scheifele signed a massive seven-year contract extension with the Jets, worth $59.5 million. This commitment ensures he will likely remain a Jet for the remainder of his prime years.
The decision to sign a long-term extension in Winnipeg—a market that is sometimes difficult for players due to the harsh winters and intense media scrutiny—speaks volumes about his support system. Having a partner like Howell, who is accustomed to Canadian winters and the Canadian media landscape, likely made the decision to commit to Winnipeg easier. Together, they have navigated the logistics of living in Manitoba during the season and returning to Ontario for the summer, a rhythm that provides both professional focus and personal relaxation.
Shared Values and Community Involvement
Beyond their athletic prowess, both Scheifele and Howell are known for their community involvement and charitable efforts. Scheifele has long been involved with KidSport Winnipeg, an organization that helps remove financial barriers for children who want to play sports. Similarly, Howell has been an advocate for women in sports and inspiring the next generation of female skiers. This alignment in values—giving back to the community and promoting active living—strengthens their public image as a "power couple" of Canadian sports.
Their shared values also extend to their families. Both come from tight-knit, supportive families that prioritized athletics and character development. Scheifele has frequently credited his parents for his work ethic and humility, traits that are mirrored in Howell’s public demeanor. This family-oriented approach suggests that if and when the couple decides to marry or start a family of their own, these foundational values will remain central to their lives.
Navigating the "WAG" Label
In the ecosystem of professional hockey, partners are often grouped under the acronym "WAGs" (Wives and Girlfriends). While some partners embrace the lifestyle associated with this label, Dara Howell stands apart due to her independent fame. She is rarely seen merely as a spectator; she is a peer. When she attends Jets games, she does so with the analytical eye of a fellow elite competitor. This dynamic alters the traditional narrative of the NHL player's personal life. Scheifele is not the sole star in the household; he shares the spotlight with a woman who has reached the pinnacle of her own sport.
This dynamic creates a modern relationship model where mutual respect for professional ambition is paramount. Scheifele has been spotted supporting Howell in her endeavors, just as she supports him at the Canada Life Centre. This reciprocity is vital for the longevity of relationships where both parties have demanding careers that require extensive travel and focus.
Future Outlook
As Mark Scheifele enters the next phase of his career under his new contract, questions regarding "Who is Mark Scheifele’s wife?" will likely persist until his status changes. However, the absence of a marriage certificate does not diminish the significance of his partnership with Dara Howell. They have built a life that withstands the rigors of the NHL and the spotlight of the Olympics. Whether they choose to tie the knot in a lavish Muskoka wedding or continue their committed partnership as is, their relationship remains a stabilizing force in the life of the Jets' star center.
Ultimately, Mark Scheifele’s personal life is a testament to balance. In a league defined by speed and aggression, he has found a grounding presence in Howell. For fans and observers, the takeaway is clear: Scheifele’s success is driven by his own talent and work ethic, but it is undoubtedly sustained by the strong, athletic, and supportive partnership he enjoys off the ice.
