Brandon Bussi's Brother Dylan Is the Reason He Wears What He Wears in the NHL

Brandon Bussi was just a sophomore at Western Michigan University when the idea hit him like a slapshot off the glass. The goaltender, now suiting up for the Carolina Hurricanes, had always played around with custom mask designs. Goalies get that freedom. But this time felt different. This time, he wanted to paint something that actually meant something.

He wanted to honor his younger brother, Dylan, who is autistic.

From Dorm Room Idea to NHL Statement

Once the idea took hold, Bussi couldn't shake it. "I wanted to make that first mask as a college sophomore representing autism because it meant something to me personally," he said. "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."

The Sound Beach, New York native worked with Vice Design's Allen Schneider to craft that first autism-focused mask during his final year at Western Michigan. He kept it as a keepsake from his three years as a Bronco, and it became the blueprint for everything that followed. When he turned pro in 2022 with the Providence Bruins, he kept the tradition alive, evolving the designs as his understanding of the autistic community deepened through real encounters and real stories.

"From when I was a kid, it was an unbelievable relationship, different but great and unique," Bussi explained. "It forced me to mature at a young age and see the world differently. It's guided me and it's a story I share to try and help people understand what he goes through."

Finding the Right Artist to Bring It to Life

After four years grinding in the AHL, Bussi finally got his shot at designing specialty NHL masks. He connected with DaveArt, the legendary goalie mask designer David Gunnarsson based in Sweden, who understood immediately what Bussi was trying to accomplish.

"I love the designs with a lot of details like this, and with a message behind it," Gunnarsson said. "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."

Gunnarsson was so impressed with Bussi's vision and collaborative spirit that he joked the goaltender could have a job waiting in Sweden whenever he hangs up the pads. For now, Bussi keeps building his platform, one mask at a time.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.