What Penguins Prospects Are Playing At 2026 World Juniors?

The 2026 World Junior Championship is set to kick off on Friday and will run until Jan. 5, 2026, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and features the top under-20 players in the world.

The tournament is a major achievement for players to play in, and it’s a good chance for NHL fans to watch their team’s top prospects play against elite-level competition.

Pittsburgh has just two prospects playing in the tournament, with one playing for Team Canada and the other playing for Team USA.

Harrison Brunicke, D, Canada

The Penguins loaned Brunicke to Canada to participate in this tournament, and he will be a key part of Canada’s defense.

Brunicke was selected in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft by Pittsburgh. The 19-year-old defenseman made the Penguins out of training camp, but has played in just nine games, recording one goal, so Pittsburgh opted to loan him for the tournament to get more experience and play a big role for Canada.

Brunicke was named an assistant captain for Canada. This will be his first appearance at the World Juniors.

Will Horcoff, F, USA

The Penguins selected Will Horcoff 24th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and the star forward is having a breakout season.

Horcoff is playing at the University of Michigan and has recorded 19 goals and nine assists for 28 points in 20 games. The 18-year-old forward is expected to play on the top line alongside James Hagens and Brodie Ziemer, and could also contribute on the power play.

This will be Horcoff’s first time playing at the World Juniors.

If Penguins fans want to watch the team’s prospects in action, Team Canada and Team USA’s schedule is as follows, with all times in Eastern:

Team Canada World Juniors schedule:

Friday, December 26, 8:30 PM: Czechia vs. Canada (NHLN)

Saturday, December 27, 4:30 PM: Latvia vs. Canada (NHLN)

Monday, December 29, 8:30 PM: Denmark vs. Canada (NHLN)

Wednesday, December 31, 8:30 PM: Canada vs. Finland (NHLN)

Team USA World Juniors schedule:

Friday, December 26, 6:00 PM: Germany vs. USA (NHLN)

Saturday, December 27, 6:00 PM: USA vs. Switzerland (NHLN)

Monday, December 29, 6:00 PM: Slovakia vs. USA (NHLN)

Wednesday, December 31, 6:00 PM: USA vs. Sweden (NHLN)