McKenna ties record for points by a Canadian in quarterfinal win at IIHF U18 World Championship
Vantaa, Fin.- With an assist on Maxim Masse’s game-opening goal, Gavin McKenna has tied the record for most points by a Canadian player in an IIHF U18 World Championship tournament.
With 15 points (six goals, nine assists), McKenna has matched Tyson Jost and Macklin Celebrini, who posted 15 points in 2016 and 2023, respectively.
Maxim Massé gets Canada on the board.
With the 🍎make it 15pts for Gavin McKenna!! #U18MensWorlds @SagueneensLHJMQ | @tigershockey pic.twitter.com/G2hc95QK3E
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 2, 2024
McKenna and Team Canada shut out Latvia 4-0 in their quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, booking a berth in the semifinals on Saturday, May 4.
Three other WHLers got on the scoresheet in the victory.
McKenna, a 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward, got Canada on the board just over five minutes into the match by snagging a rebound and feeding Maxim Masse for a quick shot in the slot.
Kelowna Rockets standout Tij Iginla (NHL CSS: 9) earned a secondary assist on Masse’s goal.
Iginla quickly picked up a primary helper as three WHLers combined to bury the lead.
Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie (NHL CSS: 19) showed off his impressive release with a precision shot from the point after picking up an Iginla rebound.
Ryder Ritchie doubles the advantage for 🇨🇦#U18MensWorlds | @PARaidersHockey pic.twitter.com/QIGRMeMqxz
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 2, 2024
Kamloops Blazers defenceman Harrison Brunicke (NHL CSS: 52) earned the second assist on the play.
In the final frame, Brunicke added his third helper of the tournament for Porter Martone to make it 3-0, with Guelph Storm forward Jett Luchanko closing out the scoring.
With 15 points and a +7 rating in five games, McKenna leads all Canadians and sits fifth overall in tournament scoring.
Canada will move on to face Sweden for a second-straight year in the U18 Championship semifinals.
In 2023, the Swedes bested Canada 7-2, with the Canadians downing Slovakia in overtime in the bronze-medal game.
The Canucks doubled up Sweden 6-3 in their preliminary round match on April 25.
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