By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Harrison Brunicke’s journey to professional hockey is certainly a cool one. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brunicke moved to Calgary in 2008 due to his father’s work. While hockey was initially foreign to him and his family, it soon became a passion that led him to the Western Hockey League (WHL) and eventually to being drafted No. 44 overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Away from the ice, the Johannesburg native enjoys golf and spending time with friends and family. He values the relationships he’s built in hockey and enjoys being a vocal presence in the locker room.
The 18-year-old rearguard has scored four goals and 20 assists, for 24 points, in 29 games this season with Kamloops and has become a fan favourite.
Growing up in Calgary, Brunicke was without a doubt a Calgary Flames fan. Initially, his family wasn’t heavily into hockey, but once he started playing, he quickly found inspiration in defencemen like Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Mark Giordano. Those players helped shape his own playing style as a mobile, two-way defenceman.
Brunicke joined the Blazers at a crucial time, just as the team was preparing to host the 2023 Memorial Cup. Though he wasn’t initially sure he would make the team, he developed quickly under the guidance of assistant coach Don Hay. “I think Donnie really helped me with the structure side of the game, positioning, things like that,” Brunicke told Blazer Hockey.
Reflecting on his experience at the Memorial Cup, Brunicke acknowledges that he didn’t fully grasp the tournament’s significance until he was part of it. Competing at such a high level was a defining moment in his development, stating, “It was such a cool year to be a part of.”
Brunicke’s “Welcome to the WHL” moment came in a playoff series against the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he faced off against Utah Hockey Club’s Dylan Guenther, Chicago Blackhawks’ Kevin Korchinski, and Montreal Canadiens prospect Jared Davidson. Brunicke considers Guenther the hardest player he has ever matched up with at the WHL level.
His growth has not gone unnoticed. Blazers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston has praised his defensive improvements since joining the league, and Brunicke credits his skating coach, Patrick Pepin, for helping him develop strong edgework and mobility.
Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis told Blazer Hockey, “Brunicke is the top defensive prospect in Pittsburgh’s pipeline right now. I was so impressed with his play at the Buffalo Prospects Challenge tournament back in September, where he played an excellent two-way game. He’s a great skater who is fully engaged in both zones and is exceptionally smart. I fully expect Brunicke to have a leading role for Canada at the World Juniors next year and eventually become a solid top-four NHL defender.”
Elite Prospects’ Cam Robinson told Blazer Hockey, “There isn’t much that Brunicke can’t handle. His defensive ability is among the most smothering at the junior level. He can read, react, and thwart a wide array of in-zone and transition attempts. In transition offensively, he can beat the forechecking pressure and carry with confidence, or he can hit long-range outlets through gaps in coverage.”
NHL player agent Daren Hermiston told Blazer Hockey, “Harrison’s size/mobility combination is elite. That will continue to be his calling card as he becomes a pro.”
When Pittsburgh selected him in the second round, it was an emotional moment. “I didn’t expect to go as high as I did,” Brunicke admitted. “Going in the second round to an organization like Pittsburgh was amazing. I don’t think I could’ve landed in a better spot.”
Brunicke then saw action in the preseason, suiting up for the Penguins for four games and playing alongside Canadian icon Sidney Crosby and childhood favourite Erik Karlsson, a moment he said he will never forget.
Brunicke continues to refine the balance between his offensive instincts and defensive responsibilities. He takes pride in his ability to break up plays, transition the puck efficiently, and contribute offensively when the opportunity arises—a true nod to his two-way roots.
Kamloops currently sits just a handful of points out of a playoff spot in what has been a rollercoaster ride of a season for Brunicke. As the Blazers continue their last-ditch effort to make the playoffs, Brunicke believes consistency is key. “We need to play a full 60 minutes. Sometimes we get away from our game, especially in the second period. Turnovers have hurt us, and we need to stay focused for the full game.”
With a bright future ahead, Pittsburgh fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the young defenceman’s potential.
