Kyle Dubas and the Penguins sign top defenseman

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially signed Harrison Brunicke, their 44th overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract.

This deal will keep Brunicke with the team through the 2026-27 season.

Brunicke, who hails from Johannesburg, South Africa, has spent the past three seasons with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In the 2023-24 season, he tallied 10 goals and 21 points, while also contributing a goal and four points for Team Canada at the 2024 World Under-18 Championship.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 196 pounds, Brunicke is recognized for his dynamic two-way play. He combines solid stickhandling skills with a robust defensive game and impressive skating ability.

If Brunicke advances to the NHL, he will become just the second South African-born player to achieve this milestone. The first was goaltender Olie Kolzig, who was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1989 and enjoyed a 17-season career, including a Vezina Trophy win in 1999-2000.

Known as "Olie the Goalie," Kolzig spent the majority of his career with the Capitals before a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning in his final season. If Brunicke follows in Kolzig's footsteps, he might also make a notable impact, potentially featuring in high-profile commercials or becoming a standout player for the Penguins.

Harrison Brunicke expresses deep gratitude for his family's unwavering support. As his potential in hockey became increasingly clear, his parents, far from their own support networks, took significant steps to ensure his success. They facilitated his development by arranging sessions with Calgary-based power skating coach Patrick Puddifant, who has worked with prominent players like Cale Makar.

Will Harrison Brunicke live up to the legacy of South African NHL stars?

Source: The Hockey News

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