McKenna leads all U17 WHL players by 25 points this season.

Few players have dominated the WHL during their U17 season like Gavin McKenna. The Medicine Hat Tigers forward is up to 70 points in 45 games and ranks 23rd on the all-time single-season scoring list by a U17 player in WHL history. With 17 games remaining in the season, he is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and could join Connor Bedard as one of five players in WHL history to hit 100 points during their U17 season.

McKenna has been electric all season. Among his accomplishments include being tied for the most assists in one game with five and the most points in a single game with six. He also sits in the top five in power play points with 32 while being ranked in the top two in multiple categories among WHL rookies. With 21 points in his last ten games, he has become one of the most dangerous players across the WHL and is a significant reason behind why the Tigers currently lead the Eastern Conference in goals with 221. 

Arguably, the most impressive part of McKenna's game is his consistency. He has gone back-to-back games without a point once all season and has recorded 4+ shots in 47% of his games in 2023-24. At 16, he is already one of the league's most confident players, as he can make a difference through both his playmaking ability and dangerous shot. 

Not draft eligible until 2026, it will be exciting to see what McKenna can do come playoff time. Based on his success in the regular season, he could be in store for a big postseason run as the Tigers look for their first Memorial Cup berth since 2007. A star at 16 years old, he could be in the conversation for CHL Player of the Year as early as next season. 

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