Gavin McKenna was well aware of the critics waiting to attack. The 17-year-old center was anticipated to be the clear top pick at the 2026 NHL draft. While that might still be the case, there has been backlash since McKenna left the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers for Penn State in the NCAA. Despite this, the Whitehorse native has managed to tally 18 points in 16 games this season in U.S. college hockey, following an impressive junior career with 129 points in 56 games during the 2024-25 season.
McKenna, seeking a new challenge to enhance his readiness for professional hockey, is set to play a crucial role in Canada’s offensive lineup at the upcoming world junior hockey championship. He expressed his motivation, stating, “I don’t mind it at all… People have been waiting for me to fail; it fires me up.”
With a remarkable track record, including a WHL championship win and 120-plus points, McKenna remains confident despite scoring fewer goals this season. He emphasized the importance of performance over statistics and expressed his focus on building confidence for the upcoming world juniors.
The move to NCAA from junior hockey was facilitated by a rule change in the U.S. that allowed players like McKenna to transition, previously prohibited due to professional status regulations. McKenna’s decision to embrace the challenges of college hockey reflects his dedication to personal growth on and off the ice, with the ultimate goal of playing in the NHL.
McKenna’s teammates are eager to see his performance on the international stage as Canada begins its tournament against Czechia on December 26. Anticipating a strong showing from McKenna, forward Cole Reschny expressed confidence in his potential to excel and eventually secure the top spot in the NHL draft.
Canada’s under-20 men’s program general manager, Alan Millar, praised McKenna’s talent and reaffirmed the team’s support for the young player. As Canada aims for a 21st gold medal, McKenna’s decision to take the challenging path through NCAA could prove beneficial for the team’s success.
The training camp for Canada’s world juniors team runs from December 12-22 in Niagara Falls, Ont., featuring pre-tournament matches against Sweden and Denmark. The roster includes a mix of promising forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders ready to compete on the international stage.