Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi has experienced a remarkable transformation, going from backup player to Stanley Cup champion in an extraordinary season for the Raleigh-based team. At 27 years of age, Bussi’s recent journey to the pinnacle of ice hockey has unfolded in a way few could have predicted.
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This year marked the Hurricanes’ long-awaited Stanley Cup victory after a 20-year wait, and Bussi played a crucial role in their success. When starting goaltender Frederik Andersen had to step aside in the third period of Game 3, Bussi stepped in unexpectedly. Over the course of the remaining games, he became an essential component in their victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, even achieving a shutout in the decisive Game 6.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bussi reflected on the whirlwind of his rise to fame, admitting that the overwhelming support from fans and family has been both humbling and surreal. Costumed fans, parades celebrating the team’s achievements, and chants of his name have become the new normal for him, even if it feels a little strange. “It’s very honouring because I don’t necessarily feel like a person that warrants that,” he confessed. “It probably will never be normal, but it is the new normal now, right?”
Bussi’s lifelong aspiration to lift the Stanley Cup seemed distant when he was a young boy starting out in the sport. Although he had always dreamt of this moment, he remained grounded throughout his career. “You dream about it, but it’s so hard to do that. You never know if or when you might get an opportunity,” he explained. “Could I have believed this 20 years ago? No. But, you know, it happened and it’s been special.”
Recalling his moment of stepping onto the ice in Game 3, Bussi described feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. “On a personal level, it was excitement,” he said. “Obviously, the situation wasn’t what I wanted. I was okay with not playing if that meant we won. But my name was called and it’s my job to deliver.” His considerable experience allowed him to adopt a positive mindset, focusing on having fun and playing hard, regardless of the situation.
Bussi emphasised teamwork as a key factor in the Hurricanes’ playoff success. He highlighted the trust among players and credited Frederik Andersen for setting a strong example throughout the season. “Freddie’s process is why he has the career he has,” Bussi remarked. He admired Andersen’s dedication to maintaining his physical fitness and mental balance, particularly during the high-pressure playoff games.
The influence of head coach Rod Brind’Amour on the team’s spirit cannot be understated. Bussi appreciated Brind’Amour’s focus on cultivating a family-like atmosphere within the squad. “He believes in a group that’s close; he believes in a group that all of our families are close,” he stated, adding that the camaraderie fostered by Brind’Amour has been crucial to their achievements. According to Bussi, the coach deserves recognition for his impact on both the community and the franchise.
Following the victory, the post-game celebrations on the ice left a lasting impression on Bussi. However, the parade held to honour the team’s championship win stands out as one of his most cherished memories, with an astonishing 180,000 fans lining the streets of downtown Raleigh. “On the day of the parade, it was probably the best day of the whole week. The support of our fans is quite remarkable,” he said.
Aside from the accolades and achievements, Bussi has been anchored by a supportive family, including his parents and brother Dylan, who was honoured through Bussi’s helmet designs that paid tribute to the autism community. His fiancée, Mary Raclawski, has also been a significant source of support as they prepare to marry this summer. Bussi acknowledges that these relationships play a pivotal role in his journey. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” he stated.
As for the upcoming monumental day of his wedding, Bussi finds it difficult to pinpoint a single aspect he is looking forward to, remarking that the entire weekend is bound to be special. “Winning a Stanley Cup is a childhood dream, but we’re talking about the rest of my life,” he reflected, representing the best of both worlds arriving within just a month of each other.
While Bussi is eager to slip back into a semblance of normalcy in the off-season, he recognises that his life has been irrevocably altered. The bond forged with his teammates through this championship victory will last a lifetime, creating connections they will all cherish in the years to come. “It’s something that I’ll be able to tell my kids one day,” he shared, recognising the legacy of their achievement and the importance of family in his journey.