Gavin McKenna had himself quite the night on March 15, 2025, putting up a career-high seven points (three goals and four assists) to help propel the Medicine Hat Tigers to a commanding 7-3 victory over the Red Deer Rebels. This standout performance not only showcased McKenna's talent but also marked the latest highlight of his remarkable 38-game point streak, solidifying his place among the top young talents in junior hockey.
The excitement kicked off early during the game when Tanner Molendyk netted the first goal for the Tigers just 8:18 minutes in, clipping the short side shoulder of Rebels netminder Peyton Shore. McKenna was credited with an assist on this goal, which not only gave his team the early lead but also pushed his point streak to 38 games, the longest single-season streak for any player in the Western Hockey League (WHL) history since 1996.
McKenna’s stellar performance included four points during the opening period, comprising two goals and two assists. By the end of the night, he had not only helped his team solidify their position at the top of the WHL's Eastern Conference but also surpassed the legendary Sidney Crosby’s 37-game point streak set during the 2004-05 season. This achievement now places McKenna firmly behind only Alexander Radulov, who holds the CHL record for the longest point streak at 50 games.
Since the streak began on November 6, 2024, McKenna has amassed 28 goals and 64 assists for 92 points, averaging 2.42 points per game. This has not only made him the leading scorer of the CHL this season but also put him on track to be among the top picks for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, has turned heads with his exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Following Saturday night’s game, McKenna’s 121 points (37 goals and 84 assists) through 54 games make him the third-highest scorer overall in the CHL, trailing Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit and Andrew Cristall of the Spokane Chiefs. While McKenna’s individual success is remarkable, it's his contributions to the team's effectiveness that's equally impressive. The Tigers have amassed 24 wins out of their last 28 games (24-2-1-1) since the beginning of January, with winning streaks highlighting their pursuit of the WHL title.
Oasiz Wiesblatt also shone during the March 15 contest, recording three goals and two assists, and contributing significantly to the Tigers' offensive dominance over the Rebels. With McKenna and Wiesblatt performing at such high levels, confidence is running high within the Tigers' locker room as they steer through the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are poised for their final two games of the regular season, both of which will provide them with the opportunity to secure the top seed going forward. They will face off against the Calgary Hitmen, who are also vying for positioning as they remain just two points behind Medicine Hat. Their final showdown on March 23 at the Scotiabank Saddledome could very well be the deciding factor for seeding as the playoffs approach.
McKenna’s performances have not gone unnoticed, as he previously reached his 200th career point during the 2024-25 season, which made him the third-fastest WHL player to reach this milestone since 1996. His accolades don't stop there, as he was also named the WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year last season after netting 97 points over 61 games.
Beyond the WHL, McKenna has made his mark internationally, becoming the eighth youngest player to compete for Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship and contributing to gold medals at both the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. With accolades piling up and his team heading for the playoffs, the world is watching Gavin McKenna and the Medicine Hat Tigers with eager anticipation.
Despite hitting this impressive milestone and leading his team, McKenna remains focused on the bigger picture. He understands the importance of team success and aims to capture the WHL title before potentially embarking on his professional career. Only time will tell how far his talent will take him, but for now, he is making history game by game.