Former P.A.L. Jr. Islanders Goalie Earns Spot on Hurricanes’ NHL Roster

Former P.A.L. Jr. Islanders NCDC goaltender Brandon Bussi has been named to the Carolina Hurricanes’ Opening Night roster for the 2025-26 NHL season.

Bussi was claimed off waivers by Carolina on October 5 after being released by the Florida Panthers, who had signed him to a one-year contract in July 2025.

The Sound Beach, N.Y., native first competed in the USPHL during the 2014-15 season with the Jr. Islanders before playing a season and a half in the NAHL. He returned to the Jr. Islanders in the 2017-18 NCDC campaign, where he appeared in 23 games and posted a 3.07 goals-against average.

From there, Bussi moved on to Western Michigan University, backstopping the Broncos for three seasons before turning professional. He signed with the Boston Bruins in 2022, and went on to play 111 AHL games with Providence, while also dressing for three NHL contests with Boston (though he did not appear in game action).

In 2024-25, Bussi started 33 games for Providence, going 15-14-4 with a .907 save percentage and recording five shutouts.

The Carolina Hurricanes open their season at home on Thursday, October 9, against the New Jersey Devils.