McKenna Named CHL Rookie of the Year for 2023-24
June 1, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release
Medicine Hat Tigers star Gavin McKenna was recognized as the top rookie in Canadian Major Junior hockey after being named CHL Rookie of the Year. McKenna, a product of Whitehorse, Yukon, was named a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year Award after winning the WHL's Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year.
CHL Rookie of the Year Award Finalists, 2023-24
Jake O'Brien, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Emile Guite, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna finished second in scoring among all WHL rookies, tallying 97 points (34G-63A). His 63 assists were best among all WHL rookies, as were his 12 power-play goals. McKenna's performance established a new Tigers franchise record for points by a 16-year-old, surpassing the previous mark of 95 points, established by Al Conroy during the 1982-83 season.
McKenna is the first WHL player to be named CHL Rookie of the Year since Brayden Yager of the Moose Jaw Warriors was recognized in 2021-22. He is also the first player in Medicine Hat Tigers history to be named CHL Rookie of the Year.
The 6-foot, 165-pound McKenna was originally selected by the Tigers with the first-overall pick in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. In 77 career WHL regular season games, he has recorded 115 points (38G-77A).
The CHL Rookie of the Year Award is selected from the winners of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (WHL), Emms Family Award (OHL), and QMJHL's Rookie of the Year Award.
Previous WHL Winners of the CHL Rookie of the Year Award
2021-22: Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors
2008-09: Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars
2002-03: Matt Ellison, Red Deer Rebels
2000-01: Scottie Upshall, Kamloops Blazers
1999-00: Dan Blackburn, Kootenay ICE
1998-99: Pavel Brendl, Calgary Hitmen
1992-93: Jeff Friesen, Regina Pats
1989-90: Petr Nedved, Seattle Thunderbirds
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Western Hockey League Stories from June 1, 2024
- Firkus, Yager Take Home Three CHL Awards - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Championship Celebration Set for Sunday Afternoon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- McKenna Named CHL Rookie of the Year for 2023-24 - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Lindstrom Named CHL Top Draft Prospect for 2023-24 - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Western Hockey League Stars Honoured at 2024 CHL Awards - WHL
- Warriors Forward Firkus Named CHL David Branch Player of the Year for 2023-24 - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Warriors Forward Yager Named CHL Sportsman of the Year for 2023-24 - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Warriors Forward Firkus Named CHL Top Scorer for 2023-24 - Moose Jaw Warriors
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