simply amazing, always or you.
Whitehorse, Yukon — In a year brimming with promise for Canadian hockey, one name has risen above the rest: Gavin McKenna. Born on December 20, 2007, in Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna is quickly becoming a household name in the world of junior hockey. As a standout forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL), his performance has been nothing short of spectacular, and his future in the sport looks exceedingly bright.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds, McKenna plays as a left wing, and it’s clear that his offensive prowess is what sets him apart from his peers. Over the past two seasons, his numbers have skyrocketed. After recording 18 points in just 16 games during his WHL debut in the 2022–2023 season, McKenna has flourished. During the 2023–2024 season, he posted an impressive 34 goals and 63 assists in 61 games, a performance that caught the eye of scouts and hockey enthusiasts across the country. But it didn’t stop there—his 2024–2025 season continues to impress, with 19 goals and 41 assists already on the board after just 30 games.
McKenna’s remarkable ascent has not been limited to the WHL. On the international stage, he has proven to be a game-changer. At the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships, McKenna led Team Canada with 10 goals and 10 assists, setting a new Canadian record for most points in a single U18 tournament. His hat trick in the gold medal game against the United States helped secure Canada’s 6–4 victory, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top young players in the world.
But McKenna’s contributions didn’t end there. At the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he scored the game-winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Sweden, propelling Canada to another gold medal. These performances have solidified his place as one of the most highly anticipated prospects heading into the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, with some analysts predicting he could be selected first overall.
McKenna’s journey to the top is also deeply rooted in his heritage. A proud member of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, McKenna’s family has played an integral role in his development. His parents, both passionate about hockey, even built an outdoor rink in their backyard, allowing him to practice year-round in the freezing Yukon winters. The sacrifices and support of his family have clearly paid off, as McKenna continues to shine at every level of competition.
As if his connection to hockey weren’t strong enough, McKenna is also a cousin-by-marriage of Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, one of the most hyped prospects in recent years. This family connection has garnered even more attention for the young phenom, but McKenna’s achievements speak for themselves.
With each game, McKenna’s stock rises, and his future in the sport grows ever more promising. As he continues to dominate the WHL and captivate international audiences, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Gavin McKenna. Whether he’s helping Canada win gold or lighting up the scoreboards in Medicine Hat, McKenna is on a path to greatness.
The hockey world is watching, and it’s only a matter of time before McKenna takes the professional stage by storm.