Gavin McKenna makes his self-expectations extremely clear ahead of repping Team Canada at 2025 World Junior Championship

17-year-old forward Gavin McKenna has set high expectations for himself as he prepares to represent Team Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa. The tournament is returning to Ottawa for the fourth time in five years, presenting a significant opportunity for McKenna to showcase his skills on the home ice.

Playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League, McKenna was recognized as the WHL and Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year. Gavin McKenna aims to play a pivotal role on the national team, focusing on earning significant ice time to showcase his offensive talents.

He said (via IIHF.com):

“I want to play a big role on the team. “I want to get some big minutes and I’ve got to earn those minutes. I’m going to make sure I’m doing everything I can. I’ve got to use my offensive abilities to the best that I can and make the teammates around me better."

"There’s so much talent on that team, so I’ve got to make sure I’m using them and like I said, work on my defensive game there, because any little mistake against those teams could ruin the tournament for you," McKenna added.

Gavin McKenna also expressed excitement and gratitude after being named to Team Canada's 25-player roster for the World Junior Championship.

For McKenna, this moment is significant as he has fond memories of watching the tournament with his family throughout his childhood. He expressed:

“It’s a dream come true. I grew up watching the world juniors with my family, so finally having this become a reality and have the opportunity to play in it, it’s pretty special for me and my family."

“I was sitting in my room and got a knock on my door and was told – with me and Brayden Yager there – that we made the team and obviously we were so pumped." McKenna added.

Gavin McKenna's leads WHL this season

Medicine Hat Tigers v Winnipeg Ice - Game 2 - Source: Getty

Gavin McKenna has been in fine form this season for the Medicine Hat Tigers. He leads the WHL in scoring with 60 points, through 19 goals and 41 assists, in 30 games this season.

Overall, he has accumulated 115 points from 38 goals and 77 assists in 66 WHL career games. Meanwhile, the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will be played in Ottawa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.