When the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup last summer, the gleaming silver trophy bore more than the usual roster of players and coaches — it carried the names of owner Tom Dundon’s wife, Veruschka Dundon, and their five children — Caden Dundon, Dax Dundon, Drew Dundon, Blake Dundon and Tagan Dundon — etched alongside the champions of previous years.
A family affair on the ice
The practice of inscribing family members on the Cup has become increasingly common, a tradition that reflects the personal connections owners feel to the sport’s most iconic prize. Jeffrey Vinik, who purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1999, included his then‑wife Penny Vinik on the 2021 championship roster, while Vincent Viola of the Florida Panthers engraved his wife Teresa Viola and three children twice after the team’s back‑to‑back titles.
The criteria for inclusion are straightforward: anyone who has played in at least one NHL game during the championship season earns a spot, and goaltenders who appear in any game are also eligible. Exemptions exist for players who meet a minimal game count, allowing role players like Nicolas Deslauriers to claim a place after eight appearances.
Not every participant makes the list. Forward Joel Nystrom, who suited up for only 38 regular‑season games, was omitted despite being part of the Hurricanes’ roster, illustrating the selective nature of the engraving process.
The Hockey Hall of Fame, while not directly involved in the engraving, safeguards the Cup and its history, preserving the stories behind each name.
Historical echoes and removals
The tradition is not without controversy. In 1984, Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington had his father Basil Pocklington’s name added, only to have it removed after public outcry and a later discovery of misconduct.
More recently, the name of Brad Aldrich, a former coach convicted of sexual assault, was covered in 2021 following the revelations surrounding player Kyle Beach, underscoring how the Cup can become a flashpoint for off‑ice scandals.
These episodes reveal a delicate balance: the Cup serves as a canvas for personal legacy, yet it also mirrors the broader social responsibilities of the sport’s leaders. As the Hurricanes celebrate their triumph, the names etched on the silver surface will continue to spark conversation about family, fame, and the evolving ethics of professional hockey.