(Image Credit: Pittsburgh Penguins)

By Aaron Schulze

Brunicke Back

Back from the NHL: Penguins assign Brunicke to the Blazers

Jan 7, 2026 | 9:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers are getting their star defenceman back from the National Hockey League (NHL). 

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Wednesday (Jan. 7) they have assigned Harrison Brunicke to the Blazers. The Penguins’ second round draft pick from 2024 made the team’s roster from training camp but hasn’t suited up for an NHL game since Nov. 3, 2025. 

The 19-year-old Brunicke scored one goal and finished with a minus four in nine NHL games with the Penguins. From there, he added four assists in five games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during a conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. 

Most recently, Brunicke suited up for Canada at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships in Minnesota, serving as an alternate captain. He added two assists in seven games and won a bronze medal. 

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Brunicke scored five goals and added 25 assists for 30 points in 41 games with the Blazers during the 2024-25 Western Hockey League (WHL) season. He rejoins a Blazers squad that sits fourth in the WHL Western Conference with a record of 18-13-3-4, good for 43 points in 38 games. 

The Blazers are unlikely to trade Brunicke before Thursday’s (Jan. 8) deadline, as they’re positioned well to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

The Blazers visit the Penticton Vees Friday (Jan. 9) at 7:05 p.m. 

Brunicke could play his first game at Sandman Centre this season as early as Saturday (Jan. 10) at 6:00 p.m. when the Blazers host the Vees for a rematch.