Penguins’ Harrison Brunicke bringing NHL experience to Canada’s World Junior team

NIAGARA, Ont. – When 19-year-old Harrison Brunicke made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in early October, he was sitting across from three legends of the game. 

Sidney Crosby. Evgeni Malkin. Kris Letang. Three of the best of their generation. Stanley Cup champions. Olympians. So much experience between the three.

Those weren’t just Brunicke’s mentors – they were his peers.

Brunicke’s impressive training camp kept him with the big club throughout the first half of the NHL season. He ultimately played nine NHL games (just before his entry-level contract would kick in) before being sent down to the AHL on a conditioning stint. He played well with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – but the plan was always to send him to the World Juniors once camp opened.

Brunicke is one of two Canadian World Junior defenders with NHL experience – the other being Calgary’s Zayne Parekh. Even though his actual ice time was limited, Brunicke used it as an opportunity to learn from players and a coaching staff chasing a playoff spot.

“It’s unbelievable,” Brunicke said during Canada’s camp about learning from NHL legends. “We could sit here and tell you all about it. Sid is such a great guy. So special getting to learn from those guys, nitpick their games and grow as a player.”

In total, Brunicke has played 26 pro games between the NHL and AHL over two years. For a player his age, that’s a lot of quality competition and increased speed he has had to deal with.

“Coaches love that at this level,” one scout said. “They know they can count on the guys who’ve played against the best of the best. They’re coachable.”

Brunicke has played a lot of meaningful hockey early in his career. He played in the Memorial Cup in 2023 prior to his draft year and then helped Canada win gold at the U-18 World Championship the following spring. Brunicke even skated in a pair of games with the senior national team ahead of the 2025 World Championship – showing a high level of trust from the Hockey Canada brass. That, plus his NHL experience, has allowed Brunicke to handle every challenge thrown his way so far.

“When you’re in more high-pressure situations, you get more comfortable with it,” Brunicke said. “I’m hoping to bring that here.”

Many believe Brunicke will be loaned back to Kamloops for the team’s WHL playoff push after the tournament. Others think the 6-foot-3 defender would benefit more from playing against men in the NHL. Regardless, he needs playing time – and he’s set to get a lot of it for Canada.

“I’m still trying to build that pro style of game, where it’s strictly hard defense, where you’re moving the puck and moving your feet, less risks,” Brunicke said. “That’s what I’m trying to bring here.”

Parekh is projected to be Canada’s No. 1 right-handed defender. That’ll leave Brunicke on the second pair, where he’ll still be able to eat heavy minutes as he did in Kamloops. Canada has a strong contender this year, and Brunicke is expected to be a leader, especially with his NHL experience.

Brunicke has played just five games over the past month, all coming in the AHL. The native of Johannesburg, South Africa had four points in that span, showing a high level of puck proficiency. On the surface, going from playing against men and adjusting to junior hockey sounds easy. But there’s a real adjustment, especially from a tempo perspective.

Brunicke is ready for the challenge.

“Whatever position I’m put in, whatever role, I’m ready to execute it,” Brunicke said. “I’m a two-way defenseman, playing hard defensively and getting to show my offense as well. I want to be a reliable defenseman who can eat minutes.”

Brunicke wasn’t born when Crosby won gold 20 years ago and was six months old when Letang did it. But the next time Brunicke sees his Penguins teammates, he’s hoping to bring some hardware with him. And, perhaps, stay in Pennsylvania for good.

SPONSORED BY bet365