As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for the Stanley Cup finals starting June 2, goaltender Brandon Bussi’s fiancée, Mary Raclawski, shared insights about their journey together. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Raclawski opened up about their love story, which began during their time as college athletes at Western Michigan University.
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The couple first crossed paths when they were both freshmen at the university, each pursuing their respective athletic dreams—Raclawski as a cross country and track athlete, and Bussi as a hockey player. Their initial encounter occurred on the very first day of college when Raclawski met Bussi in the dormitory. Living just one floor apart, they soon realised they shared a class, which led them to walk to lectures together. “Honestly, the rest is history. We’ve been together for six and a half years now,” Raclawski recounted fondly.
Juggling the demands of student athletics presented numerous challenges for the couple during their university years. Both were fully committed to their sports, which often required long hours and travel commitments. Raclawski reflected, “I think any student athlete will tell you that it’s definitely a challenge and a learning curve.” As Bussi pursued his hockey career, he left university after his junior year, while Raclawski completed her degree. Despite the distance that often separated them, Raclawski shared that the time apart ultimately strengthened their bond.
Now settled in Raleigh, North Carolina, the couple has created a home base supportive of Bussi’s professional career with the Hurricanes, who claimed him off waivers in 2025. Earlier this year, Bussi signed a three-year contract with the team, solidifying the couple’s roots in the city. As a new resident, Raclawski expressed how helpful it was to connect with the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of other players. Recently, a joint bachelorette party was organised for her and other brides-to-be.
Raclawski, who works as a consumer packaged goods professional, has also embraced social media as a way to share their unique experiences as a hockey couple. With significant followings on TikTok and Instagram, she provides glimpses into their daily life, from game-day outfits to challenges faced as a couple navigating a professional sports career. “It’s been an incredible journey so far,” she noted, mentioning how content creation provided a creative outlet during uncertain times.
Through her online presence, Raclawski has also highlighted various causes that are important to her and Bussi. Together they collaborated with Buddy Hockey Club on a special hat featuring the motto “House Money,” which reflects Bussi’s approach to life and hockey. A portion of the proceeds from this project will benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina and Pucks for Autism, in honour of Bussi’s brother, who is part of the autism community.
As the countdown to the Stanley Cup finals continues, Raclawski finds herself filled with pride and gratitude for what the team has accomplished this season. “The fact that they’ve made it so far, I’m just so proud of all of them,” she stated. “It’s not just playoffs, it’s the entire season. Everybody’s families sacrificed so much to get to this point.”
Looking forward, Raclawski is also excited about their upcoming wedding, which will take place later this summer following their engagement last June. She described the proposal as a “special” day and expressed appreciation for Bussi’s involvement in the wedding planning, despite his busy NHL schedule. “We’ve waited for this moment for so long and made it through long distance and so many hard times, which definitely made us stronger,” Raclawski reflected.
The couple’s journey through personal challenges, professional ambitions, and their love story, continues to inspire those following them, offering a glimpse into the life of athletes off the ice and the supportive partnerships that thrive alongside them. As they both prepare for a significant moment on and off the ice, fans and followers will no doubt be cheering them on every step of the way.