Tom Dundon’s decision to have multiple members of his family engraved on the Stanley Cup was already one of the biggest talking points following the Carolina Hurricanes’ championship. Now, more names that were left off the Cup are coming to light, and the backlash is only growing.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Dundon had five of his family members included on the Stanley Cup, while several longtime members of the Hurricanes organization were omitted. Fans and people around the hockey world immediately questioned whether the owner had crossed a line by using some of the limited engraving spaces for family members instead of individuals who helped build the franchise.
Now, the criticism has intensified.
Joel Nystrom Left Off Despite Playing 38 Games
Former Hurricanes defenseman Joel Nystrom, who appeared in 38 regular-season games during Carolina’s championship season, was not engraved on the Stanley Cup.
That fact sparked criticism from hockey writer Lance Lysowski, who wrote:
“Joel Nystrom, who played 38 games for the Hurricanes, is not engraved on the Cup, but the owner put the names of his five children. Other support staff are also deserving. Tacky. And not at all surprising.”
While NHL rules automatically qualify players who appear in at least 41 regular-season games or one Stanley Cup Final game, teams are allowed to petition for additional names. Many organizations successfully petition for players who narrowly miss the requirements.
That has left many wondering why Carolina didn’t use one of those requests on Nystrom.
Longtime Equipment Manager Also Omitted
Perhaps the biggest surprise involves equipment manager Bobby Gorman, who has been with the organization since its days as the Hartford Whalers in 1976.
Fans and media members have pointed out that Gorman has dedicated nearly five decades to the franchise, helping generations of players behind the scenes.
One fan wrote:
“Tom Dundon putting his entire family’s names onto the Stanley Cup before all the players and staff—and even omitting equipment manager Bobby Gorman, who’s been with the organization since they were the Whalers in 1976—is just disgusting.”
For many around the league, longtime equipment managers are among the most respected people in hockey. They often spend decades traveling with the team, preparing equipment, and serving players without ever seeking the spotlight.
Mike Sundheim Mentioned As Another Deserving Name
Veteran broadcaster Murray Pam also weighed in, posting simply:
“Mike Sundheim is definitely deserving.”
His comment adds another respected member of the Hurricanes organization to the growing list of people many believe should have been recognized before family members.
A Debate That Won’t Go Away
Owners have had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup before. Family members have appeared in rare circumstances as well.
But what has made this situation different is the perception that several individuals who directly contributed to the Hurricanes organization—or were part of the championship season—were left off while Dundon’s family occupied valuable engraving spots.
Because each championship team is limited in the number of names it can submit, every decision carries weight.
Whether Dundon technically followed the rules isn’t really the debate anymore.
The conversation has shifted to whether the spirit of the Stanley Cup was respected.
For many fans, the Cup represents the players, coaches, trainers, equipment staff, scouts, and lifelong employees who dedicate their careers to winning hockey’s greatest prize.
Seeing names like Bobby Gorman, Joel Nystrom, and Mike Sundheim absent while the owner’s family appears on the Cup has left many questioning the priorities behind Carolina’s submission.
The Hurricanes may have won the Stanley Cup, but the controversy surrounding who did—and didn’t—get engraved looks far from over.
What do you think? Did Tom Dundon go too far, or as owner, did he earn the right to include whoever he wanted on the Stanley Cup?
