Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna has reached a 53-game point streak ahead of the Western Hockey League Championship series. The streak dates back to early November 2024. McKenna's team, the Medicine Hat Tigers, prepares to face the Spokane Chiefs in the final.
McKenna's point streak surpassed Alexander Radulov's mark of 50 games set in 2005-06 for the longest in the Canadian Hockey League since 2000.
The Whitehorse, Yukon native spoke about the streak in a recent interview with TSN. He explained that he stopped focusing on the number once it passed 30 games.
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button called McKenna a "special player" and noted his name appears alongside players like Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard for sustained offensive production. Button highlighted McKenna's skill, IQ, determination, competitiveness, imagination, and creativity as key attributes.
Button stated McKenna possesses imagination and creativity reminiscent of Wayne Gretzky. He added that McKenna does the unexpected, making him difficult to defend. Button believes McKenna executes plays others might not conceive or be able to perform.
McKenna is tied for second in WHL playoff scoring with eight goals and 35 points in 13 games heading into the final. In the regular season, he finished second in league scoring with 41 goals and 129 points over 56 games. He was held without a point in only three games during the regular schedule.
During his interview with TSN, McKenna discussed comparisons to Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov. While he appreciates the comparison, he names his childhood idol as Patrick Kane.
McKenna watched Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty as a child. He stated he worked on his hands and stickhandling in his backyard rink to emulate Kane.
The Medicine Hat Tigers reached the WHL Final for the first time in 17 years by sweeping the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Championship Series. The Tigers hold a 12-1 record in the playoffs. Their opponent, the Spokane Chiefs, swept the Portland Winterhawks to advance. You can find more about the WHL final matchup in CHL Storylines.
McKenna is preparing for the 2026 NHL Draft. He also expressed what it would mean to represent hockey players from the Yukon.
