Yukon hockey sensation Gavin McKenna had high hopes for the 2025 World Juniors.
The 17-year-old Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation citizen from Whitehorse was the youngest player chosen for Team Canada’s roster last month.
But the goal McKenna scored in Canada’s first game against Finland would be his last.
Eventually, Team Canada fell 4-3 to Czechia in the quarterfinals on Jan. 2.
Perhaps the defeat was even more punishing as the championship was held in the nation’s capital.
“I wish I could have did more for the fans and the people of Canada. It sucks we had to go out this way,” McKenna said in a post-game scrum in Ottawa. “There’s always next year, so I wish we could have got it done this year, but I don’t know, have to look at the positives, I guess.”
This also marks the second straight year Canada has been eliminated in the quarterfinals.
McKenna’s parents, who travelled to Ottawa to support their son, shared in the disappointment.
“He’s quite heartbroken. All the boys are completely heartbroken. That’s not what anybody wanted,” said McKenna’s mother, Krystal.
“And then you have all the social media stuff that’s going around out there, which takes it to a whole another level for them, right? It’s difficult,” she said.
But McKenna’s father, Willy, said his son will bounce back.
“Me and Krystal, we’re both proud how he did in handling the media, he kind of proved as a player that he belongs in that kind of a group. So, you know, it’s a good learning experience for him,” he said.
The McKenna’s are hopeful their son’s experience at the World Juniors will benefit him this hockey season.
That includes helping his WHL team – the Medicine Hat Tigers – win a championship and ultimately the Memorial Cup.
“I think he’ll come off of this tournament and probably be a better player,” Willy said. “I think he’s going to be driven. He’s going to want to prove himself even more.”
McKenna is one of nine players eligible to return to Team Canada next year.
The 2026 World Juniors will take place in Saint Paul, Minn.
