OTTAWA Gavin McKenna is fully aware of the challenge ahead as he looks to follow in the footsteps of two of Canadas most impressive 17-year-old players, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. However, if anyone can live up to that challenge, its McKenna, who has emerged as one of the top prospects in Canadian hockey.
Currently playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League WHL), McKenna has been projected as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. This season, he leads the WHL with 60 points 19 goals, 41 assists) in just 30 games, making him the top forward among the 19 players invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"They set the bar pretty high, but obviously that's the goal, to work toward those guys," McKenna said, reflecting on the accomplishments of Bedard and Celebrini. "They're so talented and so early in their careers, and they've already proven themselves to be such elite players. To follow in their footsteps, hopefully, that would be pretty cool. "
McKenna is excited to be a part of the selection camp, something he has dreamed of since childhood. But he understands that his journey is far from complete. It's an honor to be invited, but the job's not finished. Ive got to prove myself and work for a spot on this team," he said.
With Canada finishing fifth at the 2024 World Juniors, McKenna's remarkable skill is unlikely to go unnoticed, especially with Hockey Canada executives looking to strengthen the team for the upcoming tournament.
"Gavins an elite player," said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's vice president of hockey operations. "Hes got incredible talent, vision, and skill. Hes a player who can contribute up and down the lineup. Hes committed to both sides of the puck, and I think hell be a key asset to this team. "
McKennas presence at the camp has already raised high expectations, especially given the recent success of Bedard and Celebrini, both of whom were standouts at the World Juniors at 17. Bedard helped lead Canada to a gold medal in 2023 with a tournament-leading 23 points, while Celebrini was the teams top scorer in 2024 with 4 goals and 8 points in five games.
While the pressure may be intense, McKenna is no stranger to high-stakes competition https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-canada-mitch-marner-jersey. He helped Canada win gold at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, finishing with 10 goals and 20 points in 7 games. He also earned six points three goals, three assists) during Canadas victory at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
"Yeah, for sure, it gives me confidence playing with some of those guys," McKenna said, referencing his past international experiences. "Having them here gives me confidence and comfort, but this is a new tournament, so Ive got to make sure Im as ready as possible. "
McKenna may not be the biggest player, standing at 6 feet and weighing 165 pounds, but he has faced players much bigger than him in the WHL and is learning how to handle the physicality. "I've played against bigger guys in the WHL, and its prepared me for this, McKenna explained. Having talented players around me will help as well. "
In his first full WHL season, McKenna racked up 97 points 34 goals, 63 assists) in 61 games, showing his ability to compete at a high level despite being lighter and shorter than some of his peers.
"He's a super special player, and he deserves to be here," said Brayden Yager, a Winnipeg Jets prospect. "Obviously, the staff picked him for a reason, and you see what hes doing in Medicine Hat. Im not worried about him at all. Hes going to be a key part of this team https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-jack-eichel-jersey. "
Canadas coach, Dave Cameron, has yet to develop a personal connection with McKenna, but he recognizes the young forwards talent on the ice. "Hes skilled, and he doesnt seem intimidated by the spotlight," Cameron said. "But hes just one part of this team. In a best-on-best tournament, the best team wins. The team that gels together will come out on top. "
With the 2025 World Juniors taking place on home ice in Ottawa, McKenna will be under intense scrutiny, but his journey is just beginning. He is determined to prove himself, and with his exceptional talent and determination, he just might be the next big star for Team Canada.
OTTAWA Gavin McKenna is fully aware of the challenge ahead as he looks to follow in the footsteps of two of Canadas most impressive 17-year-old players, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. However, if anyone can live up to that challenge, its McKenna, who has emerged as one of the top prospects in Canadian hockey.
Currently playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League WHL), McKenna has been projected as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. This season, he leads the WHL with 60 points 19 goals, 41 assists) in just 30 games, making him the top forward among the 19 players invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"They set the bar pretty high, but obviously that's the goal, to work toward those guys," McKenna said, reflecting on the accomplishments of Bedard and Celebrini. "They're so talented and so early in their careers, and they've already proven themselves to be such elite players. To follow in their footsteps, hopefully, that would be pretty cool. "
McKenna is excited to be a part of the selection camp, something he has dreamed of since childhood. But he understands that his journey is far from complete. It's an honor to be invited, but the job's not finished. Ive got to prove myself and work for a spot on this team," he said.
With Canada finishing fifth at the 2024 World Juniors, McKenna's remarkable skill is unlikely to go unnoticed, especially with Hockey Canada executives looking to strengthen the team for the upcoming tournament.
"Gavins an elite player," said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's vice president of hockey operations. "Hes got incredible talent, vision, and skill. Hes a player who can contribute up and down the lineup. Hes committed to both sides of the puck, and I think hell be a key asset to this team. "
McKennas presence at the camp has already raised high expectations, especially given the recent success of Bedard and Celebrini, both of whom were standouts at the World Juniors at 17. Bedard helped lead Canada to a gold medal in 2023 with a tournament-leading 23 points, while Celebrini was the teams top scorer in 2024 with 4 goals and 8 points in five games.
While the pressure may be intense, McKenna is no stranger to high-stakes competition https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-canada-mitch-marner-jersey. He helped Canada win gold at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, finishing with 10 goals and 20 points in 7 games. He also earned six points three goals, three assists) during Canadas victory at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
"Yeah, for sure, it gives me confidence playing with some of those guys," McKenna said, referencing his past international experiences. "Having them here gives me confidence and comfort, but this is a new tournament, so Ive got to make sure Im as ready as possible. "
McKenna may not be the biggest player, standing at 6 feet and weighing 165 pounds, but he has faced players much bigger than him in the WHL and is learning how to handle the physicality. "I've played against bigger guys in the WHL, and its prepared me for this, McKenna explained. Having talented players around me will help as well. "
In his first full WHL season, McKenna racked up 97 points 34 goals, 63 assists) in 61 games, showing his ability to compete at a high level despite being lighter and shorter than some of his peers.
"He's a super special player, and he deserves to be here," said Brayden Yager, a Winnipeg Jets prospect. "Obviously, the staff picked him for a reason, and you see what hes doing in Medicine Hat. Im not worried about him at all. Hes going to be a key part of this team https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-jack-eichel-jersey. "
Canadas coach, Dave Cameron, has yet to develop a personal connection with McKenna, but he recognizes the young forwards talent on the ice. "Hes skilled, and he doesnt seem intimidated by the spotlight," Cameron said. "But hes just one part of this team. In a best-on-best tournament, the best team wins. The team that gels together will come out on top. "
With the 2025 World Juniors taking place on home ice in Ottawa, McKenna will be under intense scrutiny, but his journey is just beginning. He is determined to prove himself, and with his exceptional talent and determination, he just might be the next big star for Team Canada.
https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-brock-faber-jersey