Canada forward Gavin McKenna celebrates his first goal during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship tournament action against Finland, Dec. 26, 2024, in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

Three former Medicine Hat Tigers invited to World Junior Summer Showcase by Team Canada

Jul 28, 2025 | 9:39 AM

Former Medicine Hat Tigers forwards Gavin McKenna, Cayden Lindstrom and Ryder Ritchie are among 44 players invited by Team Canada to the World Junior Summer Showcase.

All three were members of the 2025 Ed Chynoweth Cup winning Tigers team.

The tournament in Minneapolis, Minn. is running July 27-Aug.2 in preparation for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship from Dec.26-Jan. 5 in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The 44 players will be narrowed down to 36 that will practice, scrimmage and play in exhibition games.

The Canadian players will be split for a Team Red and White intrasquad game on July 29, before games start against Finland July 30, Sweden Aug. 1, and the United States on Aug. 2.

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“We’re thrilled to bring together 36 of the top young players from across Canada for the Summer Showcase,” said General Manager of the Program of Excellence Alan Millar in a Hockey Canada news release.

“This is an incredible opportunity for these players to compete at the highest level, build chemistry and show what they can bring to the national team,” he added.

“With the 2026 World Juniors on the horizon, this is a crucial step in building a championship-caliber group.”

The head scout for Canada’s Program of Excellence is Byron Bonora of Brooks.

Lindstrom was invited to the event last year, but unable to play while recovering from injury.

McKenna, who is invited to the event for the first time this year did represent Canada during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa.

All three former Tigers players have committed to NCAA schools for the 2025-26 season.

McKenna is set to play for Penn State, Lindstrom with Michigan State University, and Ritchie with Boston University.