McKenna, Parascak, and Smith named to CHL All-Rookie Team for 2023-24

Saginaw, Mich. – Three Western Hockey League players have been named to the CHL All-Rookie Team for the 2023-24 season.

The CHL All-star and all-rookie teams were selected by NHL Central Scouting based on regular-season play along with all-star selections and award winners from across the CHL’s three member leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Gavin McKenna, Medicine Hat Tigers

There’s still more to be said about McKenna’s achievements!

In addition to making the CHL Third All-Star Team, McKenna also highlights the All-Rookie squad.

The Whitehorse, Yukon product also set a new Tigers franchise record for points by a 16-year-old, blowing the previous mark of 95 points, established by Al Conroy during the 1982-83 season.

He led the Tigers in goals (34) and points (97), while tying for second on his team with four game-winning markers.

McKenna was also named the winner of the 2024 APTN Bryan Trottier Most Valuable Player Award, which is presented annually to an Indigenous hockey player who demonstrates on-ice excellence and contributes to the Indigenous community.

Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars

Terik Parascak burst onto the junior hockey scene with an incredible 43-goal, 62-assist rookie campaign with the Prince George Cougars.

The 17-year-old NHL Draft-eligible forward led all CHL rookies in points and goals and finished eighth overall in scoring among all WHL skaters.

He’s the first rookie to surpass the 100-point mark since Pavel Brendl registered 134 points for the Calgary Hitmen in 1998-99.

Parascak snagged WHL Rookie of the Month honours three times throughout the 2023-24 season and was a finalist for the WHL’s Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year.

He’s ranked 15th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Tarin Smith, Everett Silvertips

Silvertips blueliner Tarin Smith brought skill and composure well beyond his years to one of the stingiest teams in the WHL.

The Porcupine Plain, Sask. product put up eight goals and 36 assists for 44 points and a +26 rating in his first full season with the Silvertips.

Smith led all WHL rookie defencemen in goals, assists, points and plus-minus.

The 2021 first-round pick in the WHL Prospects Draft iced nine multi-point games in 2023-24, highlighted by a pair of three-assist efforts against Kamloops and Spokane in January.

NHL Central Scouting has increased Smith’s ranking to 38th among North American Skaters ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.