Image Credit: Pittsburgh Pengins

By Victor Kaisar

First NHL Goal

Blazers’ Brunicke scores first NHL goal with Pittsburgh Penguins

Oct 9, 2025 | 5:40 PM

PITTSBURGH — (UPDATE Oct. 10): Harrison Brunicke of the Kamloops Blazers has written his name into the National Hockey League record books.

In just his second game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 19-year-old Brunicke beat Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders on his glove side on Thursday (Oct. 9) night to become the first South African-born player to score in the NHL.

“It feels so good,” Brunicke said in a post-game scrum. “A lot of emotions and you get that blackout feeling. You’re not really sure what’s going on, but it feels really good to see that one go in.”

Brunicke’s goal at 5:41 of the second period tied the game at 2-2. Swedish forward Filip Hallander picked up the primary assist on that play to also record his first career NHL point.

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“I don’t know, maybe we’ll split it in half,” Brunicke said with a chuckle when asked who will get to keep the puck. “It was a really special moment for both of us there.

“I just saw some soft ice and got up in the rush there and he made a great play to find me in the slot. I think there was abit of a screen play, I’m not really sure, but its nice to see it go in.”

The Penguins went on to win the game 4-3 as they also got goals from Rickard Rakell, Sidney Crosby, and Justin Brazeau.

“Its a great atmosphere right now and I’m feeling good out there,” Brunicke told SportsNet Pittsburgh ahead of Thursday’s game. “I’m just learning and growing after each practice and game. I’m trying to get better each and every day.”

Brunicke’s parents – Dean and Kim – were at the PPG Paints Arena to witness his first career goal. They were also at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday for Brunicke’s debut.

“I’m pumped. I can’t wait to go and share this special moment with them,” Brunicke added Thursday evening. “The day before was a big moment as well…but its cool I can share this moment with them.”

A second-round pick of the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Draft, Brunicke registered two assists in 10 regular season games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season.

He also added a goal and an assist in two AHL playoff games last season.

Brunicke is eligible to play up to nine games for the Penguins before he uses up a year of his NHL entry-level contract. If he doesn’t stick with the Penguins, he’ll have to be reassigned to the Blazers.

“Just keep building off of it,” Brunicke added after his milestone week.

“There’s a lot of areas [that have room] for improvement. Like I’ve said, bigger, stronger, faster guys. [I want to] keep playing against those guys and showcasing my skill and effort, and keep competing.”