Brandon Bussi's NHL Journey Inspired by Autistic Brother Dylan

The 27-year-old Carolina Hurricanes goalie has made autism awareness a personal mission through his custom mask designs and community involvement.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:30am

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Brandon Bussi, the 27-year-old goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes, has had a record-breaking debut season in the NHL. Bussi's journey to the NHL has been inspired by his younger brother Dylan, who is autistic. Bussi has used his custom goalie mask designs to raise awareness for autism, and he is actively involved in the autism community, hoping to make sports more inclusive for those with autism and other disabilities.

Why it matters

Bussi's story highlights the importance of inclusion and acceptance for individuals with autism and other disabilities. By using his platform as an NHL player to raise awareness and advocate for the autism community, Bussi is making a meaningful impact and inspiring others to be more understanding and supportive.

The details

Bussi first started designing custom masks to honor his brother Dylan while playing in college at Western Michigan University. He continued this tradition in the minor leagues and has carried it over to the NHL with the Hurricanes. Bussi has worked closely with mask artist DaveArt to create designs that incorporate autism awareness symbols and messaging. Off the ice, Bussi is involved with organizations like Pucks for Autism, which aim to create inclusive game-day experiences for fans with autism and other sensory needs.

  • Bussi designed his first autism-themed mask as a college sophomore in 2019.
  • Bussi signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins in March 2022.
  • Bussi had strong AHL seasons with the Providence Bruins in 2022-23 and 2023-24 before signing with the Florida Panthers in 2025.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes claimed Bussi off waivers in October 2025, and he has since emerged as their starting goaltender.
  • In February 2026, the Hurricanes signed Bussi to a three-year, $5.7 million contract extension.

The players

Brandon Bussi

A 27-year-old goaltender who has emerged as the starting goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes after being claimed off waivers. Bussi has used his platform to raise awareness for autism, inspired by his younger brother Dylan.

Dylan Bussi

Brandon Bussi's younger brother, who is autistic. Dylan's condition has been a major inspiration for Brandon's advocacy work and custom goalie mask designs.

David Gunnarsson

The renowned goalie mask artist known as DaveArt, who has collaborated with Brandon Bussi to create custom mask designs that incorporate autism awareness messaging and symbolism.

Shawn Pfeiffer

The founder of Pucks for Autism, an organization that works to create inclusive game-day experiences for fans with autism and other sensory needs at both the NHL and AHL levels.

Emily Springsdorf

A 35-year-old athlete who has participated in Pucks for Autism events and programs, allowing her to fulfill her dream of skating at an NHL arena.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to make that first mask [as a college sophomore] representing autism because it meant something to me personally. In my junior year, I did it again, and there were stories about what I was doing. It was getting some attention. It was clear the biggest thing I could do when it comes to autism awareness is just share my story.”

— Brandon Bussi, Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender

“I love the designs with a lot of details [like this], and with a message behind it. I also have people close to me with autism, so I extra loved to create this mask. Brandon knew very much how he wanted his mask [to be].”

— David Gunnarsson, Goalie Mask Artist (DaveArt)

“It's incredible to build this community of people where it's a safe space for [autistic people]. It's hard to explain if you're not close to autism, but there are certain things that can seem strange to other families. We are making safe places where I know Henry can unapologetically be himself and not be judged.”

— Shawn Pfeiffer, Founder, Pucks for Autism

“Autism is not something that should be feared and it's something that should be accepted. Because at the end of the day, we're still human, and we deserve to be treated the same way as everyone else.”

— Emily Springsdorf, Pucks for Autism Participant

“I'd love for it to work out. It would be a whole process with some of his limitations, but I'd tell anyone with autism who is going out there, just be you. We want everybody to feel welcome in any community, in sports or at work. I want everyone in everything. And it would be such a goal of mine absolutely in the future to have [my brother] in the building and experience all of this journey with me.”

— Brandon Bussi, Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender

What’s next

The Hurricanes hope that Bussi can continue to be a key part of their playoff push, as the team looks to advance further than the past two Eastern Conference finals appearances.

The takeaway

Brandon Bussi's inspiring journey to the NHL, driven by his desire to raise awareness and create inclusion for his autistic brother Dylan, demonstrates the power of using one's platform to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Bussi's story has the potential to inspire more athletes to use their visibility to advocate for important causes and make sports more welcoming for individuals with disabilities.