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Pittsburgh Penguins make official roster decision on Harrison Brunicke
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The verdict is in regarding Harrison Brunicke, and the Penguins have decided to send the young defenseman back to the WHL to continue his development.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke has been assigned to the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas announced today.
"Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke has been assigned to the Kamloops Blazers."
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Pittsburgh Penguins
What Harrison Brunicke did in the NHL so far this season
Brunicke, 19, has appeared in nine games for Pittsburgh this season, recording one goal and averaging 15:43 of ice time per game. He also played five games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL, tallying four assists and a plus-2 rating.
The Johannesburg, South Africa, native was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round, 44th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Why Harrison Brunicke made waves internationally
He became only the second South African-born player to appear in an NHL game, joining goaltender Olie Kolzig, when he made his debut on Oct. 7.
Brunicke recently represented Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, recording two assists and a plus-2 rating in seven games to help Canada win bronze.
He also played for Canada at the 2024 World Under-18 Championship, capturing a gold medal.
Before turning pro, the 6-foot-3, 201-pound defenseman spent parts of four seasons with Kamloops in the WHL. Across 151 regular-season games, Brunicke registered 19 goals, 40 assists, and 59 points.
We wish Brunicke the very best of success in the WHL and hope to see him back in the NHL next season.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 7 | 89 ANSWERS Pittsburgh Penguins make official roster decision on Harrison Brunicke Was sending Harrison Brunicke back to the WHL the right move? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 80.9 % |
| No | 17 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||