Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna win Rookie of the Year. (WHL)

By Jesse Gill

TIGERS

Medicine Hat Tigers’ Gavin McKenna is WHL Rookie of the Year

May 7, 2024 | 6:27 PM

Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna is the Western Hockey Leagues Rookie of the Year award winner for the 2023-24 season.

Former Tigers great and National Hockey League Hall of Fame member Lanny McDonald congratulated McKenna on the award.

“We can not be happier for you and prouder of how you played in representing the Medicine Hat Tiger logo this year. And everyone else noticed as well,” McDonald said.

“”Keep up the great work, have a great summer and come back with avengence and go Tigers go!”

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The Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy winner lead the Tigers in goals and points, sat second in points for WHL rookies and 12th overall in the league with 97 points in 61 games.

McKenna had the best points per game percentage among all rookie skaters.

McKenna says it’s a true honour to win the award, while also commending the other three nominees, and those who have helped.

“I want to thank all my amazing teammates for being there for me and guiding me through such an amazing and unforgettable year,” McKenna said.

“I want to thank the Tigers coaching staff and everyone in the Tigers organization for everything they do for me behind the scenes, and most importantly I would like to thank my family for being my motivation every single day and being there for me no matter what,” he added.

“I’m extremely honoured and can’t wait to get next season started.”

McKenna is fresh off of winning a gold medal with the Canadian U-18 team on Sunday, setting a tournament record for points by a Canadian player.

McKenna is the first Medicine Hat Tigers player to win the Rookie of the Year honours since Neil Brady in 1985-86, prior to that Don Murdoch won in 1974-75 and Stan Weir in 1970-71.