Harrison Brunicke (45) celebrates the goal he assisted, while Emmitt Finnie poses with the puck after recording his first career AHL point. (Images via Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Grand Rapids Griffins)

By Victor Kaisar

First Pro Hockey Points

Blazers’ Finnie, Brunicke record first pro hockey points in AHL

Apr 5, 2025 | 10:56 AM

KAMLOOPS — A pair of Kamloops Blazers have recorded their first points in professional hockey, not long after the 2024-25 WHL season came to an end.

Blazers captain Emmitt Finnie picked up his first career American Hockey League (AHL) point as the Grand Rapids Griffins beat the Rockford IceHogs 8-3 Friday (April 4) night.

Finnie was credited with the primary assist on the Rapids second goal of the night, which was scored by Tim Gettinger. The 19-year-old Finnie dropped the puck off to Gettinger in the right circle, who fired a wrist shot into the net.

It was Finnie’s third game of the 2024-25 AHL season, and his sixth overall after he got his first taste of professional hockey with a three game cameo at the end of the 2023-24 AHL season.

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Earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings prospect, who led the Blazers in goals (37), assists (47), and points (84) last season, was named to the 2025 WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team.

Elsewhere, Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke recorded his first point in pro hockey on his debut as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins beat the Charlotte Checkers 5-3 on March 29.

Brunicke was credited with the primary assist on the Penguins’ third goal of the night, which was scored by Vasily Ponomarev. The 18-year-old Brunicke collected the puck and pushed it towards an outstretched Ponomarev, who made it a 3-2 game.

Brunicke, who impressed at Pittsburgh Penguins training camp last fall, is expected back in Kamloops this fall for his 19-year-old WHL season. While Finnie is also eligible to return as an overage player, he is expected to continue with his professional career.

In the meantime, Finnie and Brunicke are expected to get their first taste of pro hockey playoffs this spring as both the Griffins and the Penguins have clinched post-season berths.