At just 17 years old, highly touted ice hockey centre Gavin McKenna is already demonstrating his readiness to take on his critics as he prepares for his role in the upcoming world junior hockey championship. Despite facing criticism for his decision to leave the Medicine Hat Tigers for Penn State, McKenna remains undeterred, using the negativity as fuel for his fire.
Gavin McKenna: The Rising Star of Canadian Hockey
Gavin McKenna works at Canada’s training camp in Niagara Falls, Ont. ahead of the world junior hockey championship in Minnesota. Credit: Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press.
McKenna, who was anticipated to be the top overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, has faced his share of detractors since leaving the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers for Penn State’s NCAA team. Despite the criticism, he has shown impressive performance in the U.S. college hockey with 18 points in just 16 games this season. This, after a dominating stint with the Tigers where he amassed an impressive 129 points across 56 games in the 2024-25 season.
McKenna’s Motivation for the World Junior Hockey Championship
The young centre, originally from Whitehorse, is expected to play a key role in Canada’s attack at the world junior hockey championship. His recent move to NCAA is seen as a different challenge that he has taken on as part of a “building year”, aiming to be better prepared for the professional ranks.
When asked about the ongoing draft chatter, McKenna displayed a mature perspective. “Sometimes getting people pumping your tires all the time isn’t the best thing for you. People have been waiting for me to fail … it fires me up.”
McKenna’s Performance and Outlook
Penn State’s Gavin McKenna in action against Arizona State in an NCAA hockey game in Tempe, Ariz., in October. McKenna dominated at the junior level last year playing for Medicine Hat, but has seen his scoring drop in his freshman season at Penn State. Credit: Rick Scuteri/The Associated Press.
Despite a dip in his scoring rate this season, McKenna remains confident about his game. “I’ve been playing well. Pucks haven’t been going in for me, haven’t been getting bounces, but I think with world juniors to build my confidence, and then bring it in the second half, I think that’ll be huge for me.”
McKenna’s Decision to Switch from CHL to NCAA
McKenna’s decision to move to the NCAA, despite having already played in junior, was made possible due to a recent rule change. This move was in sync with U.S. colleges being allowed to recruit players with name, image, likeness (NIL) endorsement money, a shift that was not allowed before this season. Previously, Canadian Hockey League players were banned from competing at U.S. colleges as they were considered professionals for receiving monthly stipends for living expenses.
Canada’s Expectations and McKenna’s Future
As Canada seeks its 21st gold medal at the championship, Alan Millar, general manager of Canada’s under-20 men’s program, remains confident about McKenna. “He’s an elite talent. We’re not doubting Gavin McKenna.”
Despite the pressure and the critics, McKenna remains focused on his goal. “All this stuff is to prepare me to play in the NHL.” His teammates and supporters are eagerly waiting to see him shine on the big stage, ready to silence the doubters and prove his worth.
