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Harrison Brunicke and Will Horcoff draw attention in World Junior weekend debuts
Photo credit: Edir from Daily Faceoff
Both Harrison Brunicke and Will Horcoff have been making quite the impression so far as they stepped onto the ice for the World Juniors preliminary action.
With the World Junior Championship set to get underway on December 26, teams are putting the finishing touches on camps and the early rounds, and two Penguins prospects have broken out early.
Both defenseman Harrison Brunicke of Team Canada and forward Will Horcoff of Team USA participated in individual preliminary matches last weekend for their countries.
Brunicke, who turned 19 recently, didn't play in Canada's opening 2-1 victory over Sweden, but it appears that he had a good bearing in the next match. The young defenseman contributed an assist for Braeden Cootes' goal.
What Harrison Brunicke has been tasked with
To add, he was already seen participating in the Canadian team's first penalty kill and operating as the director of their second power play unit going into their Tuesday encounter with Denmark.
Brunicke is paired with the New York Islanders' 2025 first-round selection Kashawn Aitcheson.
Horcoff, 18, has made his skills translate to the international level, having success in the NCAA. The Michigan Wolverines' leading scorer is tied with 19 goals in 20 games, with 28 points, second only to USA compatriot Max Plante.
Why Will Horcoff impressed in USA's game vs. Germany
In Sunday's 8-0 thrashing of Germany, Horcoff managed to pot two goals, one with the man advantage and another short-handed.
He has been lining up alongside James Hagens (Bruins 2025 seventh overall pick) and Brodie Ziemer (Buffalo Sabres 2024 third-round pick) on the left wing of Team USA's top line.
Both Brunicke and Horcoff are scheduled to play in their last preliminary matches on Tuesday, Canada vs. Denmark, USA vs. Finland, before the start of the official tournament action this Friday.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 23 | 67 ANSWERS Harrison Brunicke and Will Horcoff draw attention in World Junior weekend debuts Will the World Juniors do wonders for these players' development? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 77.6 % |
| No | 15 | 22.4 % |
| List of polls | ||