The recent decision by the Carolina Hurricanes to engrave the names of owner Tom Dundon's family members on the Stanley Cup has sparked debate and raised questions about the NHL's engraving process. While it's not uncommon for owners' family members to be included, the extent of the Dundons' representation on the trophy is unusual and has drawn criticism. This article delves into the engraving process, the Dundons' inclusion, and the broader implications of this unique choice.
The Engraving Process
The Stanley Cup engraving process is a tradition that allows teams to commemorate their championship. Each winning team can engrave up to 55 names on the trophy, which typically includes players, coaches, staff, and ownership/front-office members. The team has discretion in selecting these names, but the final decision must be approved by the Hockey Hall of Fame and the NHL. However, the NHL's role in this process is primarily administrative, with the league office in Toronto signing off on the names.
Dundon's Family on the Cup
The Hurricanes' decision to include six of Tom Dundon's family members on the Stanley Cup is unprecedented. Dundon's wife, Veruschka, and their five children, Caden, Dax, Drew, Blake, and Tagan, were all engraved on the trophy. This move has raised eyebrows, as it deviates from the standard practice of honoring more significant contributors to the team's success.
The inclusion of Dundon's children, who are college-aged or younger and do not hold positions with the team, is particularly notable. The youngest person to have their name on the Cup was Kerry Day, who was 11 years old when honored as a team mascot. The Dundons' children are not only much younger but also not involved in the team's operations, making their inclusion even more unusual.
Historical Precedents and Controversies
The engraving of owners' family members is not entirely unprecedented. Vincent Viola, owner of the Florida Panthers, had his family members included on the Cup in 2024 and 2025. However, the Dundons' extensive representation is unique. The Ilitch family, owners of the Detroit Red Wings, had nine members engraved on the Cup in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008, but each was a part owner or team vice president.
One notable exception is Basil Pocklington, the father of former Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, who had his name engraved in 1984. However, this was later struck out by the NHL due to a miscommunication with the engraver. The recent standard for name selection typically includes 29 non-player names, similar to the Hurricanes' engraving.
Dundon's Controversial Reputation
Tom Dundon's ownership of the Hurricanes has been marked by a focus on eliminating inefficiencies and spending in areas with quantifiable returns. His purchase of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and subsequent cost-cutting measures have drawn scrutiny. Dundon's approach as an NHL owner has been described as disruptive but effective, with tangible results on and off the ice.
Conclusion
The Hurricanes' decision to engrave Tom Dundon's family members on the Stanley Cup is a unique and controversial choice. While it may reflect Dundon's personal connection to the team, it raises questions about the criteria for inclusion on the Stanley Cup. The engraving process, while traditional, is open to interpretation, and the NHL's approval process adds a layer of complexity. This incident highlights the fine line between celebrating a team's success and potentially crossing a line of appropriateness.
