Gavin McKenna, who isn't eligible to be picked until the 2026 NHL draft, and Matthew Schaefer, who is a contender to be picked first overall in 2025, aren't just on Canada's World Junior team. They both project to play significant roles, Mark Masters writes.
Dec 14, 2024 at 11:13 AM ETGavin McKenna is set to become the eighth youngest player to suit up for Team Canada at the World Juniors.
"It's an honour," he said."Growing up, it's always your dream. You always watch the World Juniors at Christmas and, yeah, it's such a surreal feeling." "I'm really tight with that family, best friends with his younger brother, so to see what he did and make his mark, that was amazing," McKenna said."He influences us all and especially me. It pushes me to do what he did."
"I've learned to deal with it a lot over these last few years and just kind of embrace it, honestly," he said."I think when you're on the ice it's pretty easy to just shut all that stuff out and focus on the game. I play hockey every single day. It's the sport that I love and grew up playing so you're just focused on that. Outside of the rink, do your best to stay off social media for sure.
"I texted my parents right away," the 18-year-old said."My dad sent a text back and it was funny because he was actually on our outdoor pond and shovelling it off with my sister. I have lots of memories back there ... It's pretty surreal to think about how much time I was skating back there with my dad and just thinking about playing on Team Canada one day, and now the day has finally come.
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