McKenna hopes World Juniors propel strong second half in NCAA with NHL draft looming

Gavin McKenna has a specific way of centring himself. The once slam-dunk No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NHL draft put up 129 points in 56 games with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers last season. McKenna headed south this fall and proceeded to have a so-so start in the NCAA with four goals and 14 assists across 16 contests for Penn State before joining Canada for the world junior hockey championship. The 18-year-old centre finished second in tournament scoring as part of a bronze-medal performance for the men’s under-20 national team. He also wasn’t the dominant force some might have expected in key moments. “There’s a lot of pressure on a young kid like me,” McKenna said...