Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is facing backlash for including his wife and five children on the Stanley Cup roster for engraving. This decision has been labeled "disrespectful and shameful" by critics who argue the honor should be reserved for players and staff who contributed to the team's championship victory.

The Stanley Cup, awarded annually since 1893, allows for up to 55 names to be engraved. Traditionally, these names include players, owners, general managers, and key members of the team's staff, such as assistant coaches, medical personnel, and equipment managers. Owners also have discretion to honor individuals who contributed during the playoffs but may not have met official criteria.

Dundon's name appears first on the cup, followed by his wife, Veruschka, and their five children: Caden, Dax, Drew, Blake, and Tagan. While including family members is not unprecedented, as seen with the Detroit Red Wings' late owner Mike Ilitch, those instances typically involved individuals with roles within the organization. Critics point out there is no public record of Dundon's wife or children being involved in the team's daily operations. The ages of his children range from elementary school to their early twenties.

Social media platforms were flooded with negative reactions. One user on X called the decision "so lame," while another stated it was "one of the most selfish & gross things I've ever seen." Other comments highlighted the exclusion of players and staff who were instrumental in the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup win, questioning the prioritization of family members over team contributors. Hockey writer Jeff Veillette noted that while the inclusion of family has become more common, Dundon's extensive list, including a young child, was particularly egregious.

Fans also expressed concern that the NHL and the Hockey Hall of Fame, who oversee the engraving approval process, might be allowing such inclusions without sufficient scrutiny. A historical precedent for controversy occurred in 1984 when Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington had his father's name engraved on the cup, despite the father's lack of involvement with the team. In that case, the Hockey Hall of Fame covered the name with stamped 'X's.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Hockey Hall of Fame and the NHL for comment on the matter.