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Brandon Bussi, goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes, channels family inspiration into his NHL journey. While a sophomore at Western Michigan University, he begins customizing his goalie masks. Initially artistic, Bussi's designs take a personal turn when he decides to honor his younger brother, Dylan, who has autism.
“I wanted to make that first mask representing autism because it meant something to me personally,” Bussi shares. His commitment to autism awareness gains traction, with stories about his efforts spreading. The mask he created at WMU, in collaboration with Vice Design’s Allen Schneider, serves as a keepsake and foundation for future designs.
As Bussi transitions to the professional stage with the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins in 2022, he evolves his masks to reflect the changing symbolism of autism. Each design draws inspiration from his ongoing interactions within the autistic community.
When the opportunity to create a specialty NHL mask arises, Bussi teams up with renowned mask designer David Gunnarsson. “I love the designs with a lot of details… with a message behind it,” Gunnarsson states. Bussi’s vision and dedication shine through each project, turning personal experiences into a powerful statement in the hockey world.
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