Brandon Bussi, the Carolina Hurricanes goaltender, has quickly become one of the NHL’s most compelling stories in the 2025-26 season. At 27, the undrafted netminder from Sound Beach, New York, defied the odds by turning a waiver claim into a starring role. Central to his mindset and public persona is his younger brother, Dylan, who is autistic. Bussi’s custom goalie masks, first created in college, have evolved into powerful symbols of awareness and personal growth.[1][2]
This bond has shaped Bussi not just as a player, but as an advocate. From maturing early to care for Dylan to channeling that into his artistry on the ice, Bussi’s journey reflects resilience. His story resonates amid broader NHL efforts to make arenas more inclusive for neurodivergent fans.
The masks that started it all
Bussi began customizing his goalie masks during his sophomore year at Western Michigan University. He decided to honor Dylan by designing one to represent autism awareness. “I wanted to make that first mask representing autism because it meant something to me personally,” Bussi said.
The idea took root quickly. By his junior year, the masks gained attention through local stories. Bussi collaborated with Vice Design’s Allen Schneider for his final WMU mask, which he kept as a keepsake after leading the Broncos to their first NCAA tournament win in 2022.
Turning pro with the Providence Bruins in 2022, Bussi continued the tradition. Each new mask reflected input from the autistic community, evolving the symbolism. This personal project grew from private tribute to public conversation starter.
Dylan’s influence forced Bussi to mature young. “He made me grow as a person,” Bussi reflected. Their unique relationship taught him to see the world differently, using nonverbal cues like tablets for communication.
Challenges persist. Dylan, nonspeaking, lives in a group home on Long Island. Big events overwhelm him, but small gatherings like Christmas brought joy. Bussi admits early embarrassment turned to understanding and pride.
These masks now connect with artist DaveArt (David Gunnarsson) for his NHL debut. Gunnarsson, with personal ties to autism, praised Bussi’s vision: “I extra loved to create this mask.”
From college standout to AHL grinder
Bussi committed to Western Michigan ahead of 2019-20, posting strong numbers including a .924 save percentage in his first full AHL season with Providence. The Bruins recalled him once as emergency backup but didn’t give NHL time.
Extensions followed, but 2024-25 was tough. He lost the Providence starter role midseason to Michael DiPietro. In July 2025, Bussi signed a one-year deal with Florida, only to hit waivers three months later.
Carolina claimed him, thrusting Bussi into the opening roster behind Frederik Andersen amid Pyotr Kochetkov’s injury. Coach Rod Brind’Amour threw him in out of necessity: “He was ready for it, and he’s never really looked back.”
His debut on Oct. 14 was a 5-1 win over San Jose, sparking a hot streak. By Feb. 1, he set a record with 21 wins in his first 25 games. As detailed in our coverage of his breakout season alongside other young goalies, Bussi’s poise stood out.
Goalie coach Paul Schonfelder credits the opportunity: “You need to give them 10 games… Bussi got it here.” Despite being pigeonholed as a No. 3, Carolina saw potential.
Bussi stays grounded. “I’m just really focusing on the now,” he said, embracing the “unique position” after a long grind.
Record-breaking rookie in Carolina
Bussi entered the NHL at 27, technically not a rookie, but his impact was freshman-like. On Feb. 16, with a 23-3-1 record, .908 save percentage and 2.16 GAA, Carolina signed him to a three-year, $5.7 million extension, donating $10,000 to the Autism Society of North Carolina.[3]
Teammate Shayne Gostisbehere lauds his duality: “He’s the nicest guy… but an aggressive goalie out there.” Bussi reads plays well, making big saves when needed.
A midseason dip included three straight losses allowing three-plus goals, but he rebounded with an .885 save percentage in a 4-3 OT win at Toronto on March 20. Recent stats show 27-6-1, 2.45 GAA, .895 SV% through 34 games.[4][5]
The Hurricanes, eyeing deeper playoff runs after two Eastern Conference final losses, rely on consistent goaltending. Bussi fits: “He’s everything you want in a teammate.”
Living in Raleigh with fiancée Mary, he feels like family. His zen approach—day by day—fuels success amid pressure.
Championing autism awareness in hockey
Bussi shares Dylan’s story to foster understanding. Early stares from others stung, but communities and sports programs for autistic people inspire him.
NHL teams host Autism Awareness nights with sensory rooms and noise-canceling headphones. Pucks for Autism, founded by Shawn Pfeiffer for son Henry, builds safe spaces through events and NHL tours.
Participants like Emily Springsdorf and Zach Pierce thrive in these inclusive environments. Henry Pfeiffer enjoys watching and selling merch, hoping all feel included.
Bussi dreams of Dylan attending a game. “I’d love for it to work out… just be you. We want everybody to feel welcome.”
His masks amplify this. For more on Bussi, check his ESPN player profile.
As playoffs near, Bussi’s story underscores hockey’s human side. His bond with Dylan not only drives personal growth but pushes inclusion forward. If Carolina contends deeper, Bussi could be key—on and off the ice—proving inspiration wins games and hearts.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.