South African-born Harrison Brunicke could be a surprise first-round 2024 NHL Draft target

Kamloops Blazers defenseman Harrison Brunicke has shot up the ranks on some draft boards recently. Brunicke represented the Blazers at the 2023 Memorial Cup in Kamloops and began catching the attention of scouts there.

Today on Daily Faceoff Live, prospect analyst Steven Ellis weighs in on the South African-born defender and his unique story and path to get to the Western Hockey League (WHL) and where his strengths are in terms of his play. Brunicke could become the first South African-born player to be drafted. While Olof Kolzig was born in South Africa, he was fully German.

Tyler Yaremchuk: You sent me a note on this but there is a potential first-round pick in this draft from South Africa?

Steven Ellis: Yeah so this is Harrison Brunicke of the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League (WHL). I didn’t know a whole lot about this guy but at the Five Nations tournament, a lot of scouts said to keep an eye on this guy. Now the points aren’t special, 20 points in 44 games for the Blazers. But he is physical, moves smart and has all the tools for the NHL so I think keep an eye on this guy and once he gets those point totals up next season or the year after he is going to look like a steal.

You can watch the whole show here…