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Dan Muse reacts to Harrison Brunicke making Canada's World Juniors camp
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Penguins' Harrison Brunicke was recently invited to Team Canada's World Juniors camp, and Dan Muse was very excited for him and shared his thoughts.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke is trading in the AHL for bigger ice this December, as he'll don Team Canada colors at the 2026 World Junior Championships.
The 19-year-old earned an invite to Canada's training camp in Niagara Falls as part of a 27-player group.
Brunicke has skated in nine NHL games this season, finding the back of the net once. Pittsburgh has instead opted to keep him at the NHL level rather than sending him back down to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.
He was only just recalled after a 14-day conditioning stint with the WBS Penguins.
The deadline for the Penguins to make a decision regarding Harrison Brunicke
That leaves the Penguins with a decision deadline on Brunicke, which falls on January 3, the 40th game of the year, on whether he stays with the NHL club or heads back to Kamloops.
More NHL game time would trigger the start of his entry-level contract. One wrinkle: he can't play in the AHL this season since 19-year-olds are ineligible under the CHL-NHL transfer agreement; next season, teams can place one 19-year-old in the AHL.
Why Dan Muse is so happy for Harrison Brunicke to be going to Team Canada's World Juniors camp
Dan Muse weighed in on Brunicke's World Juniors selection, enthused by the opportunity and mentioning the growth and experience he will get at World Juniors.
"We're really excited for Bruno, to get that opportunity for World Juniors. It's a great tournament, great experience. And so, we're excited for him for that."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Canada's exhibition schedule begins December 17, while the tournament itself runs until January 5 at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Brunicke hopes to make an impression on the international stage while continuing his growth in the Penguins organization.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9 | 96 ANSWERS Dan Muse reacts to Harrison Brunicke making Canada's World Juniors camp Will Harrison Brunicke make Team Canada for the World Juniors? | ||
| Yes | 86 | 89.6 % |
| No | 10 | 10.4 % |
| List of polls | ||