Gavin McKenna anticipated critics would be eager to find fault.
The 17-year-old forward was widely considered the clear top prospect for the 2026 NHL entry draft. This outcome remains a strong possibility.
However, he has faced scrutiny following his departure from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League to join Penn State in the NCAA. The player from Whitehorse has accumulated 18 points in 16 appearances this U.S. collegiate hockey season — a league characterized by a condensed calendar, more experienced athletes, and a greater emphasis on defensive play — contrasting with his commanding junior performance of 129 points over 56 matchups in 2024-25.
McKenna, who sought a new test in what he termed a “developmental season” to better equip himself for professional hockey, is anticipated to be a pivotal offensive force for Canada at the upcoming world junior ice hockey championship.
And the nation undeniably possesses a highly driven athlete.
“I’m perfectly fine with it,” he stated on Monday during training camp regarding discussions about the draft. “Constant praise isn’t always beneficial. Individuals have been expecting me to stumble; that fuels my motivation.”
Last season, McKenna recorded 41 goals and 88 assists in the WHL, a tenure highlighted by a 40-game scoring run. Although he has only netted four goals in 2025-26, he remains unbothered by external commentary or his scoring figures with the Nittany Lions in State College, Pennsylvania.
“I simply try not to let it affect me too much,” McKenna commented. “Regarding the state of my play, if observers are genuinely paying attention and understand hockey, watching the actual games instead of just reviewing statistics, they would understand. I am self-assured.
“My performance has been solid. The pucks haven’t found the back of the net for me, and I haven’t had much luck, but I believe the world juniors will help boost my morale, and then carrying that into the latter part of the season, I think that will be incredibly beneficial.”
The projected 1st-overall selection in next year’s NHL entry draft hails from the far north of Canada — Whitehorse, Yukon. He’ll also be playing in the NCAA at Penn State for his draft year, a decision that could change the path top prospects take to the NHL. But, who is Gavin McKenna?
Canada is undoubtedly relying on this.
The nation experienced a dismal fifth-place finish last year on its home ice in Ottawa — McKenna being one of six returning players — marking its second consecutive regrettable quarterfinal elimination from the yearly spectacle.
“He’s an excellent young man,” stated Alan Millar, the general manager for Canada’s under-20 men’s team. “Individuals are fixating on a brief period. He remains the athlete who secured a WHL title and accumulated over 120 points.”
A regulatory amendment in the United States enabled athletes such as McKenna to transition to the NCAA even after participating in junior leagues, a significant alteration that was previously impermissible prior to this season.
This transition occurred concurrently with universities gaining permission to attract prospective students with endorsement funds for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Prior to this, Canadian Hockey League athletes were prohibited from participating in U.S. collegiate sports due to being classified as professionals, having accepted regular allowances for their living costs.
Porter Martone, who has been practicing on Canada’s leading forward line alongside McKenna and Cole Beaudoin at the camp in Niagara Falls, Ontario, undertook an analogous transfer by moving to Michigan State from the Brampton Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League.
“He possesses excellent intellect and sound judgment,” Martone, selected sixth overall in the 2025 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, remarked about McKenna. “He will perform strongly in this competition and perhaps silence his critics.”
McKenna noted a substantial divergence in methodology when contrasting the CHL and NCAA.
“From a defensive standpoint, it’s considerably tougher; there’s less room and opportunity, and players are faster,” he commented on U.S. collegiate hockey. “It’s also a skillful league, but it’s simply a more direct style of hockey — aggressive, focusing on battling in congested zones to create scoring chances.”
Reasons for joining the NCAA extended beyond hockey play
The 6-foot, 170-pound first-year player further mentioned that considerations for pursuing a collegiate path went well beyond aspects related to the game itself.
“Gaining independence, acquiring adult life skills,” McKenna explained. “I aimed to dedicate more hours to strength training, developing my physical build.
“All these endeavors are geared towards readying me for a career in the NHL.”
McKenna’s fellow players are eager to witness his performance on yet another prominent platform when Canada commences its competition against Czechia in Minneapolis on December 26.
“This moment will allow him to give those individuals something new to discuss, perhaps quiet them somewhat,” stated forward Cole Reschny, selected 18th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2025 draft. “However, I personally have no doubt that he will be the top pick. He could have returned to the Western Hockey League and amassed 150 points.
“He elected to pursue a more challenging path, and that will prepare him for professional hockey. It’s not simple, but credit to him.”
Embarking on that journey could also prove to be a significant advantage for Canada, as the dominant force — still recovering from the disappointments of the past two tournaments — aims for its 21st gold medal.
“He possesses exceptional talent,” Millar commented. “We have complete faith in Gavin McKenna.”
Canada’s preparatory camp is scheduled from December 12-22 at the Gale Centre Arena in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and features exhibition matches versus Sweden in Kitchener, Ontario, and London, Ontario, as well as against Denmark in Minnesota.
Preliminary Camp Roster
Attackers
- Carter Bear —West St. Paul, Man.
- Cole Beaudoin —Kanata, Ont.
- Braeden Cootes — Sherwood Park, Alta.
- Caleb Desnoyers — Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.
- Liam Greentree — Oshawa, Ont.
- Michael Hage — Mississauga, Ont.
- Tij Iginla — Lake Country, B.C.
- Jett Luchanko — London, Ont.
- Brady Martin — Elmira, Ont.
- Porter Martone — Peterborough, Ont.
- Gavin McKenna — Whitehorse, Yukon
- Michael Misa — Oakville, Ont.
- Jake O’Brien — Toronto
- Sam O’Reilly — Toronto
- Cole Reschny — Macklin, Sask.
Blueliners
- Kashawn Aitcheson — Toronto
- Harrison Brunicke — Calgary
- Carson Carels — Cypress River, Man.
- Ben Danford — Madoc, Ont.
- Ethan Mackenzie — West Kelowna, B.C.
- Zayne Parekh — Nobleton, Ont.
- Cameron Reid — Aylmer, Ont.
- Jackson Smith — Calgary
- Keaton Verhoeff — Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.
Netminders
- Carter George — Thunder Bay, Ont.
- Jack Ivankovic — Mississauga, Ont.
- Joshua Ravensbergen — North Vancouver, B.C.
