Harrison Brunicke, a promising young defenseman and a 2024 second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has experienced a significant year in his hockey career. At Hockey Canada’s pre-tournament camp for the 2025 World Championship, Brunicke shared an encounter with Sidney Crosby that left him starstruck. “He’s like, ‘what’s up, brother?’ So, I was like, oh my God. Like, he knows me,” Brunicke recalled.
Initially unknown to some within the organization during training camp last fall, as noted by Penguins assistant coach David Quinn, Brunicke quickly made an impression. “But then obviously I had a good camp, and I really asserted myself,” he said.
Brunicke became the first South African-born skater drafted into the NHL when selected 44th overall. He spent time in Europe with Team Canada and made his professional debut with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the American Hockey League after a strong junior season with Kamloops in the Western Hockey League.
Reflecting on his preseason experience with Pittsburgh, Brunicke noted it laid the foundation for his development. “Staying as long as I did last year…I think they kind of realized that as well,” he stated.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 196 pounds, Brunicke is known for his skating and puck-moving abilities. The Penguins were pleased to acquire such talent. “Right from the minute I got drafted…I’m going to be treated well,” he expressed.
At the Prospects Challenge and main camp alongside players like Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Brunicke felt intimidated initially but gained confidence over time. His performance earned admiration from teammates and coaches alike.
Despite being sent back to his junior team for further development—a decision that stung—Brunicke returned with renewed confidence but acknowledged moments of overconfidence affected his game.
A broken wrist sidelined him from playing in the 2025 World Junior Championship but provided valuable lessons on resilience. Returning to action in January, he led all Blazers blueliners in goals (5), assists (25), and points (30) despite limited games.
His stint with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton included ten regular-season games where adjustments were necessary against bigger opponents. Conversations with Penguins assistant GM Jason Spezza helped refocus his defensive game.
Brunicke scored his first professional goal during playoffs against Lehigh Valley Phantoms but WBS was eliminated early. However, he continued playing with Canada’s National Men’s Team at camps in Vienna and Budapest under Pittsburgh’s President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas’ guidance.
Dubas expects Brunicke will again compete for an opening-night roster spot next season—a goal Harrison is determined to achieve: “I got a little taste of what it’s like…that’s my goal—to make the NHL.”
