MORE Penguins Prospects Arrive: Harrison Brunicke to WBS

One day after the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL team was again embarrassed by their opponent, the organization spent the morning promoting prospects, signifying that the next chapter of the organization is beginning. After the Penguins recalled Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen to the NHL club, the organization added defenseman prospect Harrison Brunicke to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.

The WBS Penguins recently clinched an AHL playoff berth. Since Brunicke’s season with WHL’s Kamloops Blazers ended in the regular season, he was available to begin his professional career.

Brunicke was drafted by the Penguins in the second round, 44th overall, in this past summer’s 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The right-handed defenseman surprised many by making a strong push to make the Penguins’ NHL roster in October. He was one of the final cuts and earned an extended look in the preseason games.

Brunicke was the first of the Penguins’ two second-round picks at the 2024 NHL Draft. Tanner Howe was second, taken 46th overall.

The 18-year-old led all Kamloops defensemen in goals (5), assists (25), and points (30) this season, despite being limited to 41 games. Brunicke will be eligible for the AHL playoffs. Next season will be his first full professional campaign.

The smooth-skating defender is 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, and could be the first skater in NHL history from South Africa. Former Washington Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig was also South African.