President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas announced today that the Pittsburgh Penguins have officially inked defenseman Harrison Brunicke to a three-year, entry-level contract.

At the 2024 NHL Draft, Brunicke, aged 18, became the Penguins’ top pick at 44th position. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 196 pounds, this defenseman previously played for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League during the 2023-24 season. In 49 games, he impressively recorded 10 goals, 11 assists, and a total of 21 points. Brunicke’s goal-scoring prowess led the Kamloops defensemen, as he claimed the top spot, while his 21 points secured him second place.

Brunicke, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, has been a member of the Blazers since 2022, contributing to parts of the last three seasons. Throughout his career in the WHL, he has accumulated 14 goals, 15 assists, and 29 points in a total of 110 games. Additionally, he has showcased his skills in the playoffs, providing two assists in 14 games.

Brunicke played for Team Canada in the 2024 World Under-18 Championship, where he scored one goal, provided three assists, and accumulated a total of four points, ultimately helping the team secure a gold medal.