Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in celebrates as Gavin McKenna picked first in NHL draft

On Friday night, a “Buffalo, New York” arena became the setting for the best day in hockey player Gavin McKenna’s life.

But the evening turned out to be even better than the 18-year-old left winger from Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation in the “Yukon” ever imagined.

He was the first player picked overall in this year’s National Hockey League (NHL) draft, rising into the premier league after being pegged as a possible Number 1 pick since he was 14.

Attaining that dream came after proving his skills and star potential over the past few years — first with the Western Hockey League (WHL)’s Medicine Hat Tigers, and last season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

In those four years, McKenna has racked up 98 goals and 213 assists, including international games, according to official stats.

While envisioning his draft day, McKenna always thought it would be an NHL executive member to call his name.

But after the Toronto Maple Leafs got the Number 1 selection in this year’s draft event, it was in fact pop superstar Justin Bieber who took the stage of “Buffalo’s” KeyBank Center.

“Mr. McKenna,” crooned the singer and ardent Leafs fan. “We’d like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

As Bieber’s song “Yukon” played on the speakers of the packed and boisterous arena, the star told the crowd, “The child in me is ecstatic right now; I’ve been a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy.”

Honouring family, culture and community

After hugging his family members, including his grandparents, McKenna excitedly walked up to be greeted by Bieber and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. 

McKenna still lives in “Whitehorse,” where he grew up.

His parents, Krystal and Willy, also attended the draft. He honoured his mother’s ancestry by wearing a pair of beadwork pins on the outside of his suit jacket — inside of which was sewn a collage of family photos.

“They’ve done everything for me to get to this point,” McKenna said. 

“The fact I got to experience this with them, and to all the other family members I have … I was thinking of all of them.”

In his first official press conference wearing his new Maple Leafs’ jersey, the teen described the chain of events in near-speechless terms.

“It’s just crazy what’s going on right now,” he said.

McKenna said his thoughts were also of those back in “Whitehorse” closely following the draft proceedings, including at a large draft-watching party in the city.

“I think they’re all pretty excited,” he said of his hometown fans. 

“That place has meant the world to me … The support they’ve given me over the years has been second to none.”

Hopes to inspire Indigenous Youth ‘to believe in themselves’

Formerly known as Dawson Indian Band, Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation is a small community near “Dawson City,” with a population of 1,024 citizens.

In a video posted to Facebook, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government shared what it called “the big moment.” Its hometown watch party — with more than 50 attendees — erupted into loud cheers seeing one of their own citizens drafted first.

“Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is so proud of you,” the nation declared. 

“A strong mähsį’ cho to everyone who came to cheer on our own Gavin McKenna … Go, Gavin, go!!”

Now that he’s an NHL draftee, McKenna is hoping to provide inspiration to other young Indigenous players.

“I think it will show them that anything is possible,” he said.

“I want to make those young kids believe in themselves, and I want to be a good role model for all of them.”

Indigenous fans and dignitaries alike reacted with excitement to McKenna’s milestone.

“Canada just witnessed one of the most electrifying moments in hockey and it came from the Yukon,” wrote federal Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs Rebecca Chartrand — who is Anishinaabe, Inninew, and Métis — on Facebook. 

“He shattered barriers and lifted his Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Nation onto the world stage … the North is roaring with pride and so are Indigenous peoples across Canada.”

The Yukon First Nations Hockey Association organized another draft-watching event for McKenna’s fans.

“It’s not every day we get to come together as a community to celebrate such a monumental occasion,” the association wrote on Facebook. 

“We look forward to his first NHL game.”

And the “U.S.” nonprofit group Partnership with Native Americans on Bluesky that “Gavin McKenna is proudly representing his Indigenous heritage … bringing his community with him to one of hockey’s biggest stages.”

‘Cannot wait to get started’

McKenna became just the second Indigenous player — and the first in almost 50 years — to be selected at the top of his draft class. 

In 1977, the Detroit Red Wings chose Dale McCourt, a member of Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg First Nation in “Quebec,” as the overall top pick.

McCourt would also go on to suit up for the Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres over his seven-year NHL career.

McKenna is expected to begin playing in the NHL this fall. 

“We’re just as excited to have you join the Maple Leafs, and cannot wait to get started,” said Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews in a pre-recorded video. 

“You’re coming to a franchise with an amazing history and fanbase, and we’re all working to write the next great chapter together, and you’re going to be a very important part of that.”

McKenna said he is not the least bit concerned that he’ll be playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, considered one of — if not the most — pressure-filled situations in the NHL.

“I think pressure is a privilege,” he revealed. 

“So, when you go to a fan base like that and you do well, it’s the best spot to be in … I’m confident in myself and I want to do good. Hopefully the fan base falls in love with me.”

McKenna added that he’s also looking forward to playing half his professional games at Scotiabank Arena, the Leafs’ home facility.

“To step out on that ice, to be on one of the coolest rinks out there, it’s going to be exciting,” he said.

“And I can’t wait for that day to come.”