At least two Pittsburgh Penguins prospects are likely to participate in the upcoming World Junior Championship (WJC). Recently, forward Will Horkoff was named to Team USA’s reserve roster, followed by defenseman Harrison Brunike, who was officially selected for Team Canada’s WJC training camp roster. Brunike, 19, is aiming to make the final roster and represent Canada at the highest junior level for the first time since winning gold with the U18 team in 2024, after missing last year’s tournament due to a broken hand.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 201 pounds, Brunike was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes via a trade involving Jake Guentzel’s second-round pick and was picked 44th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He started the NHL season strong, scoring in his second game, but later struggled for consistent playtime, often being a healthy scratch. As a result, he was loaned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for conditioning, performing well with three points in five games. The Penguins must decide by January 3 whether to keep him, or risk losing a year of his entry-level contract and restricted free agency.
A loan to Team Canada for the WJC, expected to be confirmed soon by the Penguins, could benefit Brunike’s development. If he secures a spot, he’ll likely play a significant role on the right side of the defense and possibly take on leadership responsibilities. Brunike will join other notable prospects like Michael Misa of the San Jose Sharks, Zane Parekh of the Calgary Flames, and forwards Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone, all expected to play key roles for Team Canada.
The World Junior Championship runs from December 26, 2025 to January 5, 2026, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for hockey fans as it highlights the emerging talent within the Penguins’ system and the opportunity for young players like Brunike to gain valuable international experience. Their performances at the WJC could shape the future of their NHL careers and contribute to the sport’s growing global appeal.
