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Harrison Brunicke keeps returning to one word when describing his Penguins experience
Penguins' Harrison Brunicke was recently reassigned to the WHL, but he opened up about his NHL experience this season and kept using the word grateful.
Harrison Brunicke, the Penguins' defenseman, was recently assigned to the Western Hockey League, where he reported to the Kamloops Blazers.
What Harrison Brunicke had to say about his overall NHL experience this season
However, the 19-year-old is not one to look back, and he acknowledges the experience in Pittsburgh has left him appreciative of every experience, no matter how good or bad, that he gained, and he kept referring to the word grateful.
"Despite the ups and downs of his season, the 19-year-old defenseman kept using the word 'grateful'."
- King Jemison re: Harrison Brunicke
- King Jemison re: Harrison Brunicke
The move was confirmed last week by the Pittsburgh Penguins through their President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Kyle Dubas.
Brunicke appeared in nine NHL games for the Penguins during the 2025-2026 season, scoring one goal and averaging 15 minutes of ice time per game.
Additionally, Brunicke participated in games with the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Scranton, accumulating four assists and a +2 rating in five games.
Why Harrison Brunicke contributed to NHL history by lacing up his skates this season
Brunicke, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and drafted 44th overall in the 2024 draft, joined history this year by becoming the second South African-born player to ever play in the NHL, the other being Olie Kolzig.
On the international level, Brunicke played for Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championships, providing two assists as they took away the bronze medal.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 54 ANSWERS Harrison Brunicke keeps returning to one word when describing his Penguins experience Will Harrison Brunicke land a full-time NHL role next season with the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 83.3 % |
| No | 9 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||