McKenna named Player of the Game in 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship victory
Vantaa, Fin.- Medicine Hat Tigers breakout star Gavin McKenna scored twice as Canada kicked off the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship with a 6-3 win over defending silver-medalist Sweden on Thursday.
Four other WHLers found the scoresheet in the tournament opener.
With Canada leading 2-1 in the first period, McKenna ripped a shot past the Swedish netminder from below the faceoff dot on the powerplay.
Gavin McKenna restores the two goal lead on the PP#U18MensWorlds | @tigershockey pic.twitter.com/2moH0y6Ohe
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 25, 2024
Less than two minutes later, the 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward teamed up with fellow WHLers Roger McQueen (2025 NHL Draft eligible) and Charlie Elick (NHL CSS: 31)* of the Brandon Wheat Kings for a highlight-reel snipe.
McQueen, who is eligible for June’s NHL Draft, dished for a trailing McKenna, who danced around the Swedish defenders before his deceptive shot found twine.
Oh. My. Goodness. 🤯
Gavin McKenna with his second, puts Canada up 4-1.@tigershockey | #U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/J8yRDBrWfZ
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) April 25, 2024
Calgary Hitmen forward Carson Westch (NHL CSS: 50) iced the game with an empty-net goal in the dying minutes, with Kelowna Rockets standout Tij Iginla (NHL CSS: 9) providing the assist.
Canada’s roster features nine WHL players, six of whom are ranked as top prospects ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, as well as two 2025 NHL Draft-eligible players and one 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward.
Team Canada is back in action on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. MST.
The game will be aired on TSN 4.
*- Indicated player’s ranking among North American Skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Service
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