A year ago, Brandon Bussi was playing in the AHL with no guaranteed path to the NHL. On Sunday night in Las Vegas, he was lifting the Stanley Cup.
The 27-year-old undrafted Long Island native shut out the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6, stopping 22 shots to give the Carolina Hurricanes their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006. Fans in Vegas were chanting his name. His teammates were mobbing him in the crease. And every goalie gear company with his equipment in their catalog is about to have a very busy week.
Bussi didn’t start the Finals. He came off the bench in Game 3 when Frederik Andersen ran out of gas, and never gave the net back. From that point on Carolina outscored Vegas 16-6. That’s the kind of performance that turns a backup into a legend overnight.
So what does the guy who just won the Stanley Cup actually wear? Here’s every piece of gear in Bussi’s setup — and what it means if you’re shopping for similar equipment.
TRUE HZRDUS Smoke Goalie Stick
The HZRDUS Smoke is one of the lightest goalie sticks on the market right now and Bussi’s size makes it a smart choice. At 6-foot-4 you’re moving a lot of body mass around the crease — a lighter stick means less arm fatigue over a full game and quicker reactions on puck handling plays behind the net.
The low kick point helps him get pucks out fast, which matters for a team like Carolina that wants their goalie to be a third defenseman when the puck is live.
Worth buying if: You want a lightweight stick with excellent feel and you’re not afraid to spend for it. This is a premium option — not a budget buy.
Precision perfected - the stick of choice for puck-handling specialists who demand surgical accuracy on every pass.
Bussi runs the PX4 pads and it makes sense for how he plays. The PX4 is stiff — stiffer than most pads at this price point — which gives you excellent rebound direction and a strong butterfly seal, but you give up a little in raw slide speed compared to softer options like the CCM Axis.
For a big goalie who plays a tight, controlled butterfly, that tradeoff is worth it. Bussi isn’t trying to skate the crease — he’s positioning and sealing. The PX4 is built for exactly that style.
Worth buying if: You play a structured butterfly and want your rebounds going where you direct them. Not ideal for goalies who rely heavily on active pad movement.
These are still a great value pad from True.
The PX4 glove is known in the goalie community for its clean break and large catching pocket. It closes smoothly without being floppy — a complaint you hear about some of the CCM and Bauer options at this level.
What stands out about Bussi’s glove game is how quietly he catches pucks. No drama, just absorption. The PX4 is a big part of that — the glove does the work instead of fighting you.
Worth buying if: You want a glove that feels game-ready fast and has a reliable, consistent closure. Break-in time is shorter than most pro-level gloves.
The TRUE Catalyst PX5 Pro goalie glove is designed for elite-level performance, offering a natural 580 break angle for a wide, rounded closure.It features a SureGrip palm for enhanced puck control and a moisture-wicking liner to keep your hand dry.The double T pocket provides a deep, stable catch area, while the adjustable strapping system ensures a secure, personalized fit.Handcrafted in Canada, this glove delivers pro-level protection and responsiveness right out of the box.
Running a matched set — pads, glove, and blocker all in the same line — isn’t just aesthetic. The PX4 system is designed to work together, and the blocker reflects that. It’s lightweight, the face has enough rigidity to direct pucks intentionally, and it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
For a big goalie who needs to keep his arms light and mobile, keeping the blocker weight down matters more than people realize.
Worth buying if: You’re buying the PX4 glove anyway — matched sets make sense at this level and the blocker is genuinely good, not just a package filler.
Shop TRUE HZRDUS PX4 Blocker →
The Bauer 960 has been the gold standard in NHL masks for years and Bussi isn’t reinventing the wheel here. Fiberglass and carbon fiber shell, excellent protection rating, comfortable fit for bigger heads. There’s a reason half the NHL wears this mask — it works, it holds up, and goalies trust it.
The 960 isn’t flashy. It’s just right.
Worth buying if: You want a mask with a proven track record at the professional level and you’re not trying to customize anything exotic. This is the reliable choice.
The Bauer 960 / 961 series has been one of the most popular goalie helmets with the NHL and other top leagues for years, for good reason. They're worth every penny and will last a lifetime.
The one piece of non-TRUE gear in Bussi’s setup and it’s an interesting choice. The CCM EFlex 6 has a reputation for comfort and mobility — it’s not the stiffest skate out there, which actually suits a taller goalie well. Stiffer boots can restrict ankle movement for bigger frames.
The EFlex 6 gives Bussi the flexibility to make quick lateral pushes without fighting the boot, which matters when you’re moving 200+ pounds across the crease.
Worth buying if: Comfort and mobility are priorities and you find stiffer skates restrict your movement. Great option for taller goalies or anyone with wider feet.
The most recommended option for serious goalies that don't want to drop a grand on goalie skates.
FAQ SECTION
What pads does Brandon Bussi wear? TRUE HZRDUS PX4 leg pads.
What stick does Brandon Bussi use? TRUE HZRDUS Smoke goalie stick.
What mask does Brandon Bussi wear? Bauer 960 goalie mask.
What skates does Brandon Bussi wear? CCM EFlex 6 goalie skates.
Is Brandon Bussi’s gear available for purchase? Yes — everything in his setup has a retail version available. The TRUE PX4 line, Bauer 960, and CCM EFlex 6 are all widely stocked. Links to each are above.
The Bussi Effect
Brandon Bussi just became the most searched goalie on the internet overnight. An undrafted kid from Long Island who spent years grinding in the AHL, stepped into the biggest moment in hockey, and shut the door on the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Carolina Hurricanes their first Cup since 2006.
That’s the kind of story that reminds you why goaltending is the most unique position in professional sports. One player. One net. The whole season on the line.
If Bussi’s Cup run has you thinking about your own goalie setup — whether you’re a parent buying gear for your kid, a goalie looking to upgrade, or a coach who just watched something special and wants to understand it better — we cover all of it every week at Goalie Coaches.
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