The Kamloops Blazers received a massive boost on Wednesday as it was announced that defenceman Harrison Brunicke would be returning to the WHL. The 19-year-old spent the first part of the 2025-26 season in the NHL and played nine games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brunicke recently played at the 2026 World Juniors, where he captured a Bronze Medal with Canada. Over his WHL career, Brunicke has played 151 regular-season games. He has recorded 59 points and was part of the Blazers' 2023 Memorial Cup team. Brunicke was a second-round pick by the Penguins [http://thn.com/pittsburgh] in 2024, as he went 44th overall. With Brunicke returning, Kamloops now has three NHL-drafted prospects on its roster. Kamloops also has J.P. Hurlbert, who is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. So far this season, the Blazers have a record of 18-13-3-4 and sit fourth in the Western Conference. Oct 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke (45) skates up ice with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/efbab4ed-82b1-4078-a386-c29a9a65d589.jpeg] Oct 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Harrison Brunicke (45) skates up ice with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. Latest From THN’s Western Hockey League [https://thehockeynews.com/whl] Site: Prince Albert Raiders Acquire Braeden Cootes In Blockbuster Trade [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/prince-albert-raiders-acquire-braeden-cootes-in-blockbuster-trade] Edmonton Oil Kings Trade Parker Alcos To The Kelowna Rockets [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/edmonton-oil-kings-trade-parker-alcos-to-the-kelowna-rockets] Kelowna Rockets Acquire Ty Halaburda From the Vancouver Giants [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/kelowna-rockets-acquire-ty-halaburda-from-the-vancouver-giants] Edmonton Oil Kings Acquire Carter Sotheran From The Portland Winterhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/edmonton-oil-kings-acquire-carter-sotheran-from-the-portland-winterhawks] Kelowna Rockets Forward Vojtech Cihar Named 2026 World Juniors MVP [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/kelowna-rockets-forward-vojtech-cihar-named-2026-world-juniors-mvp] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4bf1877a-1e8f-4e89-a688-0bb85fb350a9.jpeg] The Hockey News
