Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, less than a month after he was drafted.

The 18-year-old Brunicke was the first player taken by the Penguins in the 2024 NHL draft, going in the second round, 44th overall.

“So excited to sign my first NHL contract with such an incredible organization,” Brunicke said in a post on Facebook. “Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way.”

The six-foot-three defenceman scored 10 goals and 21 points in 49 games with the Kamloops Blazers last season. He led all Blazers defencemen in goals and was second in points despite a shoulder injury that cut his season short in February.

Brunicke has 14 goals and 29 points in 110 career WHL games, along with two assists in 14 playoff games. He also has one goal in four games at the Memorial Cup.

The Calgary native also won gold with Team Canada at the 2024 World Under-18 Championships, putting up a goal and three assists in that tournament.

Brunicke is expected to be back in Kamloops for his 18-year-old WHL season this fall.

Blazers D @hbrunicke06 has an NHL contract.
Congratulations ✍️ https://t.co/1SnuJPJBGf

— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) July 18, 2024