From Miller Place to the National Hockey League, Brandon Bussi has made it big. Bussi, a goaltender, currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL.
Bussi is a Long Island native. That’s one phrase I will never get tired of hearing. I’m always so proud of the athletes from Long Island who go on to play professionally in their respective sports. Bussi grew up in Sound Beach and attended Miller Place High School. Growing up, he played for the PAL Jr. Islanders.
“His record-breaking start in the NHL and his determination, work ethic, and character serve as an inspiration to our students, showing them that their goals are within reach through perseverance and dedication,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.
The goaltender made his NHL debut on October 14 versus the San Jose Sharks. Bussi recorded 16 saves in a 5–1 victory over the Sharks. The 27-year-old has made 28 starts this season, notching 24 wins. The Sound Beach native currently boasts a .906 SV%, which is impressive for a rookie.
The undrafted goaltender was claimed by the Hurricanes at the beginning of the season after spending three seasons in the AHL. He had stints with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers before finding his way to Carolina.
Bussi recently signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract with the Canes over the Olympic break. In celebration, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation donated $10,000 to the Autism Society of North Carolina in support of his younger brother, Dylan.
Bussi attended Western Michigan University, playing his college hockey at the Division I level. He played 39 games for the Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey, notching a 26–12–1 record during his time there.
At 6-foot-4, Bussi stands tall in the net for the Canes. He is not the tallest, as Ivan Fedotov of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars are both listed at 6-foot-7. Larger goaltenders have the advantage of covering more space in the net, giving shooters fewer opportunities to score.
The Canes were in town in February, and Bussi made the start in net for his team at Madison Square Garden. With 40-plus family members and friends in attendance, Bussi made sure to put on a show. The goaltender made 16 saves in a 2–0 shutout win for his team.
Growing up, Bussi idolized the King of New York, none other than Henrik Lundqvist. Dreams do come true, and Bussi got to meet his idol after the game.
Bussi has helped to lighten the load for Frederik Andersen. With Pyotr Kochetkov out for the season due to injury, Bussi has filled the role nicely. He has split time in net with the Danish goaltender this season.
The Hurricanes currently lead the Metropolitan Division with a 38–15–6 record. With the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs on the horizon, Bussi will look to be a key factor down the stretch. With the way he’s been playing, he could very well be instrumental in helping Carolina get over the hump they’ve endured the last few seasons.
