Key Takeaways
- Gavin McKenna is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft despite criticism for leaving the Western Hockey League for the NCAA.
- McKenna has 18 points in 16 games with Penn State, a significant drop from his 129 points in 56 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2024-25.
- The 17-year-old centre is motivated by the criticism and is looking to prove himself at the upcoming world junior hockey championship.
- McKenna’s decision to join the NCAA was influenced by the opportunity to play in a more defensive league and to develop his skills in a different environment.
- Canada is banking on McKenna to be a key part of their attack at the world junior hockey championship, where they will seek to bounce back from a disappointing fifth-place finish last year.
Introduction to Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna, a 17-year-old centre, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Despite this, he has faced criticism for leaving the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers to join Penn State in the NCAA. McKenna’s decision was motivated by a desire for a new challenge and to prepare himself for the professional ranks. With 18 points in 16 games with Penn State, McKenna’s numbers may not be as impressive as they were in junior, but he is confident in his abilities and is looking to prove himself at the upcoming world junior hockey championship.
The Criticism and Motivation
McKenna is aware of the criticism surrounding his decision to leave the Western Hockey League, but he is using it as motivation to prove his doubters wrong. "I don’t mind it at all," he said. "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 confidence in his abilities is unwavering, and he is focused on taking his game to the next level. Despite scoring only four goals in 2025-26, McKenna is not concerned about the noise or his output with the Nittany Lions. "I just try to take it with a grain of salt," he said. "Where my game’s at, if people are watching and if people are smart at hockey and are actually watching the game, not just looking at the numbers, they’d know. I’m confident."
The Decision to Join the NCAA
McKenna’s decision to join the NCAA was influenced by the opportunity to play in a more defensive league and to develop his skills in a different environment. "Defensively, it’s a lot harder, there’s less time and space, guys are quicker," he said. "It’s a skilled league as well, but it’s just more straightforward hockey — crash and bang, trying to get to those dirty areas to find ways to score." McKenna also cited the opportunity to live on his own and learn how to become an adult as a factor in his decision. "Living on your own, learning how to become an adult," he said. "I wanted to spend more time in the gym, build my frame out. All this stuff is to prepare me to play in the NHL."
Canada’s Expectations
Canada is banking on McKenna to be a key part of their attack at the world junior hockey championship, where they will seek to bounce back from a disappointing fifth-place finish last year. "He’s a quality kid," said Alan Millar, general manager of Canada’s under-20 men’s program. "People are focusing in on a small window. He’s still the player that won a WHL championship and had 120-plus points." McKenna’s teammates are also excited to see what he can do on the big stage. "This is gonna be a time he gives all those people something else to talk about, maybe shut them up a bit," said forward Cole Reschny. "But I don’t think there should be any doubt, personally, he will go No. 1. He could have went back to the Western Hockey League and put up 150 points. He chose to take the harder route, and it’s gonna get him ready for pro hockey."
The Road Ahead
McKenna’s decision to join the NCAA may have been a surprise to some, but it could ultimately be a big boost for Canada as they seek to win their 21st gold medal at the world junior hockey championship. "He’s an elite talent," Millar said. "We’re not doubting Gavin McKenna." With McKenna leading the charge, Canada will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament and prove themselves as one of the top teams in the world. The world junior hockey championship is set to begin on December 26, and McKenna will be one of the players to watch as he looks to prove himself on the big stage.