local
Maple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick in NHL draft
By John Wawrow, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 5 min read
Gavin McKenna’s nerves finally eased when lifetime Maple Leafs fan and international pop icon Justin Bieber took the NHL draft stage to announce who Toronto was selecting No. 1.“He was looking at me and I kind of was thinking, maybe,” McKenna said with a laugh. “Crazy. Just crazy what’s going on ...
Key takeaway The 18-year-old from Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the U.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The selection of Gavin McKenna by the Toronto Maple Leafs has no direct connection to Magnolia , but the NHL draft's impact on the sports landscape can be felt in the Houston area. As a community within the Houston metropolitan area, Magnolia's residents may be interested in following McKenna's career, particularly if they have ties to the Maple Leafs or Penn State. The draft's excitement and surprises can also inspire local youth hockey players in Montgomery County, encouraging them to pursue their own athletic goals. With the Maple Leafs rebuilding under new general manager John Chayka, fans in the area may be eager to see how McKenna contributes to the team's transition, potentially sparking new interest in hockey among Magnolia's sports enthusiasts. As the NHL season approaches, local fans will be watching to see how McKenna and other draft picks perform, potentially drawing more attention to hockey in the Magnolia community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Gavin McKenna’s nerves finally eased when lifetime Maple Leafs fan and international pop icon Justin Bieber took the NHL draft stage to announce who Toronto was selecting No. 1.“He was looking at me and I kind of was thinking, maybe,” McKenna said with a laugh. “Crazy. Just crazy what’s going on ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Wawrow, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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