17-year old Gavin McKenna, cousin of Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard has scored the hockey goal of the year during the WHL playoffs for the Medicine Hat Tigers on Sunday.
Connor Bedard’s family bloodline appears to never stop producing talent, his great-great uncle, James Bedard, played 22 games for the Chicago Blackhawks between 1949 and 1951.
Another one of Connor Bedard’s family members, rookie sensation Gavin McKenna, is currently breaking seasoned records set by his cousin and other current NHL stars early on in his junior hockey career.
The 17-year old finished with 129 points in 56 games played this season in the WHL, and is now riding a 46-game point streak from the regular season into the playoffs.
Yes, you read that right. A 46-game point streak, and now 19-points in seven playoffs games so far, including a goal that is catching everyone’s attention.
According to NHL.COM, McKenna has ‘unteachable talent’ and is projected to go first overall in the 2026 NHL draft.
We have never really witnessed the NHL promote such a player that’s not in the league, but his goal on Sunday night while on the penalty kill in a playoff game earned a post from the NHL’s official social media accounts.
This highlight will certainly be one of the very many highlight-reel goals displayed on the jumbotron in 2026 when he’s taking the big stage after having his name called at the NHL draft.
Don’t be surprised if teams plan a tank of a season next year in 2026, in hopes to land the highest adds for the first overall draft pick.