Medicine Hat Tigers' Gavin McKenna becomes 3rd-youngest recipient of CHL player of the year award
Gavin McKenna has etched his name into the history books.
The Medicine Hat Tigers' superstar forward was named the David Branch Player of the Year at the Canadian Hockey League Awards on Friday.
McKenna is the third-youngest player to ever win the award at 17 years, five months, 24 days old. Only Sidney Crosby in 2003-04 (16 years, nine months, 11 days) and John Tavares in 2006-07 (16 years, eight months, seven days) were younger.
The player from Whitehorse, Yukon, had 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 regular-season games, including a 40-game point streak.
View image in full screen
Medicine Hat Tigers' Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before a Memorial Cup hockey game in Rimouski, Que., on May 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
He extended that streak to 54 games during the Western Hockey League playoffs, establishing a modern CHL record (since 2000) for the longest single-season point streak across the regular season, playoffs, and Memorial Cup.
Story continues below advertisement
McKenna led Medicine Hat to its first WHL title since 2007 and to the Memorial Cup final, where the Tigers fell to the London Knights. He was second in Memorial Cup scoring with six points (three goals, three assists) in four games.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Meanwhile, Landon DuPont became the second-youngest recipient of the rookie of the year award. The Everett Silvertips defenceman is just 16 years and 16 days old. Tavares won the award at 15 years, eight months and seven days.
1:45
14-year-old Calgary hockey player given 'exceptional status' status by WHL
DuPont, from Calgary, is the first blueliner in 30 years — and just the third in CHL history after Philippe Boucher (1990-91) and Bryan Berard (1994-95) — to earn the honour. Dupont had 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 64 games.
Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa was honoured as top scorer after leading the CHL with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games. Erie Otters blueliner Matthew Schaefer was named the top prospect award winner being the No. 1-ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting.
Story continues below advertisement
Other award winners included the Knights' Sam Dickinson as defenceman of the year, Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers as the goaltender of the year, Berkly Catton of the Spokane Chiefs as sportsman of the year, Mathieu Cataford of the Rimouski Oceanic as scholastic player of the year, and Maxwell Jardine of the Charlottetown Islanders as humanitarian player of the year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Red Wings pick is Peguis proud
Carter Bear couldn't hear or see the eruption of cheers and happy tears from family and friends back in Manitoba on Friday night — including a large gathering in his home community of Peguis First Nation. However, the 18-year-old could feel the love and support after he was selected 13th-overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL draft in Los Angeles. 'That shows how proud they are. I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' he told the Free Press via Zoom shortly after having his name called. Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press Carter Bear (left) stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Friday at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. 'I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' Bear said after being drafted. It takes a village, as the saying goes, and Bear was feeling especially thankful to everyone in his world who helped him get to this stage. He's the first Manitoba hockey player to be drafted in the opening round since Strathclair's Conor Geekie went 11th-overall to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022. 'My Mom and Dad, they've done so much for me,' said Bear, who was overcome with emotion at times. 'I'm out of words. This is just unreal.' The party was in full swing at the Peguis Multiplex, where community members gathered to watch one of their own under the bright lights in Hollywood. 'Everyone here knew about this evening and are super excited for him and proud of his accomplishment,' said Chief Stan Bird. 'Considering everything our community has gone through, and what we're still continuing to experience in terms of addictions and other negative things, I think this is a really positive event for our community. He's someone our young people look up to. It shows what hard work brings. It sets a really good example for our young people.' Bear and his family eventually moved to West St. Paul, playing minor hockey through Seven Oaks and eventually starring with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18AAA team. He wasn't picked until the sixth round, 132nd-overall, in the WHL draft but quickly proved to be a huge success for the Everett Silvertips. Bear had 82 points this year (40G, 42A) in 56 WHL games. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end after he suffered a partially cut Achilles tendon. That likely cost him a few draft slots. He was the highest-rated of 14 Manitoba skaters who made the final cut of NHL Central Scouting rankings. 'Thrilled to have you in our organization. Obviously we love you as a hockey player,' Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told Bear right after his pick was announced. When asked what drew the organization to Bear, Steve Y didn't hesitate. 'We think he's an extremely intelligent hockey player. Very competitive. high-end skill. A great goal scorer. We just think he's an excellent all-around player,' said Yzerman. 'From everyone we've spoken to — his former teammates, coaches — everyone has thought extremely highly of him.' That's no surprise to those who know Bear best. 'He is easily the most determined and driven player we have ever had the pleasure of learning with. Carter sees obstacles as opportunities and thinks his way through them methodically until they are no longer obstacles,' said Vince Hourie, his former coach with the Winnipeg Hawks. 'We know Carter won't stop working here. Being second-best is not part of his makeup. He is driven and through his journey he has remained humble and grounded.' Bear said he's about 80 per cent recovered from his injury, meaning he likely won't be a participate in Detroit's rookie development camp next week, but he expects to fully healed in time for the WHL season this fall. 'We have watched Carter grow up to become an amazing hockey player and role model for First Nations kids and all Canadian kids across this country,' said Cindy Woodhouse, a close family friend who is also National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. 'His mom and dad, Misty and Conrad Bear, have worked so hard everyday to give their kids a good life, grounded in ceremony, prayers and First Nation way of life. Thank you to Hockey Manitoba for giving Carter his grounding on his journey to the NHL. We wish Carter a good road ahead in his hockey career.' Bear is hoping to have a monster year with Everett, perhaps working his way on to the Canadian World Junior squad. 'I always want it more than other guys on the ice,' is how Bear described his on-ice approach. He wants to work on his skating and two-way game while also adding some muscle to his 6-foot, 179-pound frame. There will be plenty of people rooting for him every step of the way — and also investing in Red Wings jerseys. 'Just to see him take these steps in his life it's absolutely wonderful. It's hockey that has really pulled our community along. Carter is a reflection of what hockey brings to our people,' said Bird. 'I've always been an Oilers fan, but I think the Wings might be my new team now.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. No other Manitobans were selected on Friday, although several will likely hear their name called today as rounds two through seven are held. However, Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings was picked 10th-overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Like Bear, he also had an injury-shortened campaign which may have caused him to fall further down the rankings. McQueen, who is from Saskatoon, had 20 points (10G, 10A) in 17 regular-season games with Brandon and scored once in three playoff contests. The 6-5, 197-pound centre projects as a true power forward and believes his back issues have been resolved. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
National Post
12 hours ago
- National Post
Flames draft high-scoring centre Cole Reschny
The Calgary Flames are searching for future difference-makers at the centre position. Article content They think Cole Reschny fits the bill. Article content Article content The Flames selected Reschny with the No. 18 overall pick in Friday's first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Article content This talented teen from Macklin, Sask., racked up 26 goals and 92 points in 62 outings this season with the Victoria Royals, finishing ninth in the Western Hockey League scoring race. Article content Article content He found another gear in the playoffs, with nine tallies and 16 assists in 11 spring showdowns. Article content 'Good western boy,' beamed Flames general manager Craig Conroy on the broadcast. 'We're looking for centres, so we were hoping he was going to be there and, sure enough, we got a break.' Article content He is listed at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds and has a lefty curve on his stick. Article content Scouts have praised Reschny's playmaking skills, his hockey sense and his tenacity. He won 56.4 percent of his faceoffs this winter. Article content
Global News
14 hours ago
- Global News
Kelowna Polo Classic returns this weekend, close to 1,000 attendees expected
The ponies are primed, the greens trimmed and the mallots are ready for the largest polo tournament in the Pacific Northwest. The annual event is cohosted by the Okanagan Polo Club and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Okanagan Society, bringing hundreds of people together on Saturday, June 28. 'We have close to 100 players coming from all over Western Canada,' said Lynn Wales, Okanagan Polo Club member. Wales says there will be anywhere between 300 and 400 horses on site. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Most polo players have one polo horse per chucker, so a chucker is similar to (periods) in hockey for the safety of the horses,' said Wales. This year, organizers expect close to 1,000 people to attend the event, all dressed to the nines. Story continues below advertisement 'The folks who come out to this, they come fully dressed up, the hats are fancy… they make the event,' said Stephen Duke, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Okanagan Society chapter president. Over the years, the event has grown substantially and this year's fete includes a paddock party, live music, and a game for young poloists. The event serves as a fundraiser for both the Okanagan Polo Club and the La Chaine des Rotisseurs Okanagan Society. 'We raise money for young sommeliers and chefs here in the Okanagan Valley so that we can send them to competitions,' said Duke. 'For two years running now, we have produced the top young sommelier for Canada.' As for the polo club, it helps keep their field green and their horses happy, throughout the year , so they are ready to compete in the annual competition.
