McKenna scores hat-trick, Team Canada Golden at U18’s
Espoo, FIN –
The Americans would take a 1-0 lead after one thanks to a goal from Christian Humphreys.
Early in the second period, Canada would finally get on the board at 5:31 as Ryder Ritchie would tie the game at 1-1. But Team USA would put the pressure on Canada scoring back to back goals in a span of 4:25. But Canada would look no further than Tigers Rookie of the Year & Co-MVP in McKenna to get Canada within one going to the third.
A clutch goal on the power play for Gavin McKenna as the Canadians are within one in the second period in the gold medal game at the #U18MensWorlds
Watch now on TSN.#WHL #MedHat #ChL #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/8rYYyTL8fA
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) May 5, 2024
The third period would one for the ages for Team Canada.Despite being outshot 31-11 after 2. Canada would start the rally as a five minute major penalty from the US would put Canada on the power play and it would the Canadian record holder for points at the World U18’s back to his old tricks again.
He did it again! Gavin McKenna draws Canada even at 3-3 in the third in the Gold Medal game at the #U18MensWorlds
Will he get a third? #WHL #MedHat #CHL #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZXmKDnqmyP
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) May 5, 2024
On the same power play the Canadians would get goals from Cole Beaudoin to take their first lead of the night, followed by Tij Iginla. The US would make it close at 5-4 but the Yukon product would put the game away with the goalie pulled for the US.
Guess what… he did! Golden at the U18's for Team Canada and Tigers Rookie of the Year & Co-MVP Gavin McKenna.
Congrats Gav!#WHL #MedHat #U18MensWorlds #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/cyzzi7I7or
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) May 5, 2024
McKenna finishes with 20 points at the tournament (10 goals, 10 assists) breaking a Canadian record. This is McKenna’s first gold medal at international events in his career.
The Medicine Hat Tigers would like to congratulate Gavin and his family for an incredible accomplishment and can’t wait to see him back in Medicine Hat for the 204-2025 season.
