Hockey fans in Victoria are in for a treat as the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre prepares to welcome one of the most promising young talents in Canadian hockey, Gavin McKenna, as the Medicine Hat Tigers take on the Victoria Royals Tuesday night.
This highly-anticipated game marks the first time the Tigers have graced Victoria’s home ice since November 2019. With the young and incredibly talented McKenna headlining the Medicine Hat lineup, the excitement is palpable.
McKenna, a 15-year-old sensation hailing from the Yukon, has taken the hockey world by storm, drawing comparisons to none other than Connor Bedard. Much like Bedard, who became the first player to receive exceptional status in the WHL, McKenna’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric.
In the 2022 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft, the forward was selected as the first overall pick by the Medicine Hat Tigers, making him a center of attention in the hockey world. Scouts are already eyeing him as a potential top pick when he becomes eligible for the NHL draft in 2026.
Last season, McKenna gave fans and the WHL a tantalizing glimpse of the player he could become. This season, he’s poised to put on a full-blown spectacle. As the 2022 first overall pick, McKenna is entering his first full season in the WHL, and he’s already the frontrunner for the coveted rookie of the year title.
Despite being only 15-years-old, McKenna demonstrated his remarkable skills during his 16-game stint last season, registering four goals and adding 14 assists for a total of 18 points.
His exceptional production continued into this year, where he currently leads the Tigers in scoring through eight games. With five goals and nine assists, McKenna’s performance has been nothing short of electrifying, captivating fans across the WHL and fueling speculation about his potential selection at the 2026 NHL Draft.
The clash between the Royals and Tigers promises to be a must-watch event, as Victoria’s own phenom Cole Reschny goes head to head with McKenna for the first time. Reschny was selected just two spots after McKenna.
The Save on Foods Memorial Centre will be buzzing with excitement Tuesday night as Victoria plays host to one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Don’t miss your chance to see McKenna in action; the puck drops at 7:05 p.m., and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action.
Victoria Royals vs Medicine Hat Tigers
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Tuesday, October 17th, doors opens at 6 p.m., puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
