Harrison Brunicke probably hoped he would be helping the Penguins stay in playoff position at this point in the season. But it appears he’ll be able to help his country chase a championship instead.

The 19-year-old defenseman, a second-round pick in 2024, was named to Canada’s training camp roster for the IIHF World Junior Championship. Camp begins this weekend, and the WJC runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Minnesota.

After Brunicke excelled in training camp and the preseason, he looked poised to play a key role for the Penguins this season. The rookie scored in the home opener against the Islanders on Oct. 9 but had serious struggles in his nine NHL games.

He was a minus-2 in each of his last three appearances. He was out of the lineup for several games, allowing him to join Wilkes-Barre/

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