Gavin McKenna playing for Team Yukon at the 2023 Canada Games. Photo Courtesy of Hockey Yukon.
Whitehorse, YT – Gavin McKenna will headline a 27-player roster invited to Hockey Canada’s world junior training camp ahead of the 2026 tournament in Minnesota.
The Penn State freshman is one of six returnees from last year, including Cole Beaudoin, Carter George, Jack Ivankovic, Jett Luchanko and Porter Martone. Six players with NHL experience, Harrison Brunicke, Braeden Cootes, Luchanko, Brady Martin, Michael Misa and Zayne Parekh are also on the list.
Dale Hunter, the longtime London Knights coach, will serve as head coach.
McKenna, often the youngest player on his teams, told reporters in a scrum posted on the WHL’s YouTube channel that competing with the country’s top talent is a step up in speed and skill from his experience.
“They’re the best of the best. So there’s a difference in that. But I don’t think the age really plays a factor,” said McKenna. “I just kind of, you know, fit in as best I can.
The Whitehorse native, who turns 18 on Dec. 20, has four goals and 14 assists in 16 games this season, tying him for fourth among NCAA freshmen. He says getting the call was a long-time goal.
“It’s been a goal of mine to come here and get invited to camp. So to kind of get that call, it’s a big relief. But like I said, the job is not finished,” said McKenna. “I still got to prove myself and make it. Make this team.”
Camp runs Dec. 12 to 22 in Niagara Falls and includes pre-tournament games against Sweden in Ontario and Denmark in Minnesota. Canada opens the tournament Dec. 26 against Czechia in Minneapolis.
