Kamloops Blazers defender Harrison Brunicke was drafted 44th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke to a three-year entry-level contract. Brunicke was drafted 44th overall by the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and joined Regina Pats captain Tanner Howe, who signed his ELC with Pittsburgh earlier in the month. The Blazers defender was the third WHL defenceman taken in the 2024 Draft, with Carter Yakemchuk and Charlie Elick being the only two selected before him. 

Despite missing time with injury this year, Brunicke had his best WHL season to date in 2023-24. Averaging over 21 minutes a game, he set a new career high in goals with ten and points with 21. Brunicke was also part of Team Canada's U18 Gold Medal win this year, recording four points in seven games. 

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