‘SHE’S BEEN MY ROCK’: MONTREAL CANADIENS STAR COLE CAUFIELD STUNS FANS WITH SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT TO LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND AFTER YEARS OF PRIVATE ROMANCE
Banff, Alberta – June 2, 2025— Montreal Canadiens right-winger and fan favorite Cole Caufield shocked the hockey world and melted hearts across the country this weekend by announcing his surprise engagement to longtime girlfriend, Sophie Leclerc, during a romantic getaway to Banff National Park.
The 24-year-old NHL star, known for his speed on the ice and humble demeanor off it, popped the question in front of the breathtaking Lake Louise backdrop, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and turquoise waters.
The proposal, which sources close to the couple say was months in the making, took place on Saturday evening during a sunset hike near the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
Caufield shared the news with fans via Instagram late Sunday night, posting a candid photo of the emotional moment. In the picture, Sophie can be seen covering her mouth in shock as Cole kneels with a classic solitaire diamond ring in hand.
“She’s been my rock through everything,” the caption read. “From Wisconsin to Montreal, from my first game to every high and low in between — she’s always been there. I’m the luckiest guy alive.”
The couple, who have been together for over five years, kept their relationship largely out of the public eye. Despite occasional sightings at team events and family gatherings, both Caufield and Leclerc maintained a quiet, low-profile romance — something fans respected but always speculated about.
“This is the happiest we’ve ever seen him,” said teammate Nick Suzuki when asked about the engagement. “He’s been walking around the locker room with this huge grin. We’re all really happy for them.”
Sophie Leclerc, 25, is a French-Canadian graduate of McGill University with a degree in psychology. She currently works as a child behavioral therapist in Montreal. Known for her grace and kindness, she’s frequently been described by those close to the Canadiens as “grounded, warm, and fiercely supportive.”
The proposal reportedly included a private violinist playing their favorite song — “Yellow” by Coldplay — and a handwritten letter from Caufield, which he read aloud before asking the question.
As news of the engagement spread, fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages. “Habs royalty right here!” one fan tweeted. “From scoring goals to scoring hearts — Cole can do it all.”
While no wedding date has been announced yet, Caufield’s camp confirmed the couple plans to tie the knot sometime in 2026, likely during the NHL offseason.
Until then, Canadiens fans can expect to see Sophie cheering from the stands — not just as his girlfriend, but now as his fiancée.