The 2025-26 Carolina Hurricanes have engraved 53 names on the Stanley Cup, a figure that includes owner Tom Dundon, his wife, and their five children. The list, finalized and inscribed on the trophy in July 2026, reflects the team’s 4-2 series win over the Vegas Golden Knights. It marks the franchise’s second championship, following the 2006 title.
More than 192,000 fans attended the victory parade in Raleigh. The engraving, however, has sparked debate over inclusion criteria for non-player personnel. The NHL policy allows ownership families to be named, a practice that critics argue dilutes the players’ achievement. For the Hurricanes, the 53 names are a permanent record. They include 24 players, 7 members of the Dundon family, and 22 staff members.
The Core of the Cup: 24 Players Who Delivered the Title
The 24 players form the backbone of the championship. The roster, confirmed by NHL.com, includes captain Jordan Staal, top scorers Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, and goaltender Frederik Andersen. Each name is etched into the Cup’s silver bands. These are the individuals who executed on the ice, delivering a 4-2 series victory over the Golden Knights.
Key statistics: Aho led the team in playoff points (23). Andersen posted a .925 save percentage in the Finals. The group includes 8 defensemen, 14 forwards, and 2 goaltenders. Their names are the first fans look for when inspecting the engraving.
Beyond the Ice: Tom Dundon, His Wife, and Their Five Children
Owner Tom Dundon, his wife, and their five children account for 7 of the 53 names. The NHL policy permits this inclusion, often a point of contention. According to WRAL, the Dundon family’s engraving is a reflection of his role in building the team. Dundon assumed majority ownership in 2018. He oversaw the hiring of coach Rod Brind’Amour and the construction of a roster that won the Cup.
Critics note that no other non-playing personnel have the same engraving rights. The NHL rule states that “the club owner” is allowed to include family members. This has been standard practice for decades, but it remains a topic of debate among fans. For the Hurricanes, the Dundon family’s name appears alongside the players, coaches, and staff.
The Full 53: Breaking Down the Remaining Honorees
Beyond the players and the Dundon family, 22 other names are engraved. These include:
| Category | Number of Names | Example Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching staff | 5 | Rod Brind’Amour (head coach), 3 assistant coaches, 1 goalie coach |
| Front-office executives | 7 | General manager, assistant GM, scouting directors |
| Trainers and medical staff | 4 | Head trainer, assistant trainer, team physician |
| Equipment managers | 3 | Head equipment manager, 2 assistants |
| Other support staff | 3 | Video coordinator, strength coach, team services |
This breakdown satisfies the query “who are they?” for fans struggling to find a verified list. The Yahoo Sports article notes that fans can now “check out” the actual engraving, which was completed in July 2026.
How the Engraving Compares to the Franchise’s First Cup (2006)
The 2006 Hurricanes also had 52 names engraved. Key differences:
- Roster size: The 2025-26 team had 24 players, compared to 22 in 2006. This reflects a larger active roster due to expanded playoff usage.
- Staff roles: The 2006 engraving included fewer support staff categories. The 2025-26 list includes a dedicated video coordinator, a role not present in 2006.
- Ownership inclusion: Tom Dundon’s family is included. In 2006, owner Peter Karmanos Jr. had his wife and one child engraved, but the family group was smaller.
The NHL’s engraving rules have evolved. In 2006, the maximum was 52 names. By 2026, the league allowed up to 55, accommodating larger staffs. The Hurricanes hit 53, just below the cap.
The Legacy of the 53 Names: More Than Just a List
These 53 names matter beyond statistics. The WRAL report highlighted a moment from the parade where fans chanted for equipment manager Tim Clester, whose name is now permanent. Each individual—from star player to trainer—is a piece of the championship puzzle. The Yahoo Sports article described the engraving as a “triumph” that cements careers.
The 53 names are now a permanent NHL record. Fans can view the official list at the Hockey Hall of Fame or on NHL.com. The engraving is a historical document. It captures a team that won a title, a city that celebrated, and an owner whose family is etched alongside the players.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many names are engraved on the Stanley Cup for the 2025-26 Carolina Hurricanes?
- A: 53 names are engraved, including 24 players, 7 members of the Dundon family (owner Tom Dundon, his wife, and their five children), and 22 staff members.
- Q: Why is Tom Dundon’s family included on the Stanley Cup engraving?
- A: NHL policy allows ownership families to be named on the Cup. Critics argue this dilutes players’ achievements, but the Hurricanes’ 53-name list is a permanent record of the championship team.
Extended Reading
NHL.com confirmed the full 53-name list. WRAL provided the detailed breakdown of the Dundon family inclusion. Yahoo Sports offered the visual inspection of the trophy. For complete names, visit the NHL.com article or the Hockey Hall of Fame.