Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke in action against the Portland Winterhawks. (Photo via Allen Douglas)
Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke will suit up for Team Red at the 2024 CHL Top Prospects Game later this month.
The 17-year-old defenceman is one of 40 CHL players – 18 of which are from the WHL – hoping to boost their draft stock in front of NHL scouts in Moncton, New Brunswick on Jan. 24.
“It’s a success just to be invited to this game,” Blazers Head Coach and GM Shaun Clouston told The WHL. “I think you want scouts that come to the game to see his compete level and his work ethic.”
“He’s a guy that has the potential to have a really long career as a pro, I think. He has tools that are transferable. I think he’s an intelligent player. I think as he matures physically – like he’s got good size already – but as he matures, physically, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Brunicke, who was born in South Africa but grew up in Calgary, has 14 points (five goals and nine assists) in 35 games this season on a rebuilding Blazers team, surpassing the eight points (four goals and four assists) he put up during his 16-year-old season.
The six-foot-three defenceman has also taken on an expanded role on the Blazers’ power play and penalty kill following the departure of longtime WHL veterans Olen Zellweger, Kyle Masters, and Ethan Brandwood.
“Last year, we dressed seven defencemen a lot, and he was kind of that number seven guy,” Clouston said.
“I think when you go through the entire season and get to play playoff games and Memorial Cup games, it’s invaluable experience and I think that it’s helped him transition to a larger role this year.”
In October, Brunicke earned a C rating in NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list, indicating a possible fourth or fifth round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, which is scheduled for June.
The 2024 CHL Top Prospects Game will be aired on TSN and RDS, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time, or 3:30 p.m. for us here in British Columbia.
You can find the rosters for Team Red and Team White here.
– With quotes from Cami Kepke/Western Hockey League
