Tij Iginla celebrates world U18 championship in Finland with his Canadian teammates. (Hockey Hall of Fame Images)

By Pete McIntyre

comeback win

Iginla celebrates gold medal with Team Canada

May 6, 2024 | 1:00 PM

WHL Rookie of the Year nominee Gavin McKenna led a third-period comeback as Canada defeated the United States 6-4 to win gold at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.

The 16-year-old frm Whitehorse who plays for the Medine Hat Tigers of the WHL scored a hat trick in the championship match and extended his record as the top-scoring Canadian at a single U18 World Championship tournament.

After passing Tyson Jost and Macklin Celebrini for the most points by a Canadian, McKenna surpassed Shane Wright with the most goals by a Canadian at the event.

The 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward had 10 goals and 10 assists in seven games at the tournament.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” McKenna said on the broadcast post-game. “Obviously, you can’t do it by yourself. I had an unbelievable line and an unbelievable team. Couldn’t have done it without them. So many guys in this tournament stepped up when we needed it and it all paid off in the end.”

B.C. Supreme Court

Crown calls for 7-9 year prison term for Vernon 'wine bottle' manslaughter

May 17, 2024

Stage 1 Restrictions

Greater Vernon preparing for drought, water restrictions to be increased 'as necessary'

May 17, 2024

How much do they pay?

District provides facts on tax impact of lakefront properties

May 17, 2024

A total of nine WHLers helped Canada win its first gold medal since 2021 and a fifth all-time first-place finish at the event including Lake Country’s Tij Iginla of the Kelowna Rockets who scored one of Canada’s third period goals.

Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers), Ollie Josephson (Red Deer Rebels), Ryder Ritchie (Prince Albert Raiders), Carson Wetsch (Calgary Hitmen), Charlie Elick (Brandon Wheat Kings) and Iginla (Kelowna Rockets) are eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, while Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings) and Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen) are eligible in 2025 and McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers) will be available in 2026.