The Canadian Press Duane Burleson
Medicine Hat Tigers forwards Gavin McKenna and Cayden Lindstrom pose with the Canadian Hockey League's rookie of the year and top draft prospect award in Frankenmuth, Mich., Saturday.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Medicine Hat Tigers forwards Gavin McKenna and Cayden Lindstrom were recognized at the CHL’s Memorial Cup over the weekend.
McKenna was named the CHL’s top rookie a month removed from winning the same honour from the WHL. The 16-year-old had 34 goals and 97 points in 61 games in his WHL rookie season.
Tigers’ head coach Willie Desjardins says it has been exciting to see how well McKenna has done in his young career.
“He really worked hard in the second half, turned it around, was real determined,” Desjardins said. “An unbelievable U18’s which wasn’t factored into it but just to see him grow and become more of a leader is probably the most special. When I first saw him, I couldn’t believe how he could see the ice, incredible vision. But it’s one thing to see and it’s another thing for him to produce it.”
Lindstrom was named the CHL’s top prospect ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft at the end of June.
The 18-year-old forward missed the second half of the Tigers’ season, returning for four playoff games due to injury. In his 32 regular season games, Lindstrom had 27 goals and 46 points, adding a goal and an assist in four playoff games.
“With Cayden, a third-round pick, somebody you’re not sure where he’s gonna go but worked so hard in the summer to come in ready,” Desjardins said. “It’s just too bad he didn’t get to play the second half of the year, playing the playoffs, but probably was at 75 per cent, wasn’t near where he needed to be. But that just says a lot and that says a lot for Bobby Fox. Bobby’s done a great job, looking at players, drafting players for us, you (have) to give him tons of credit.”
Lindstrom, Basha invited to NHL draft combine
Lindstrom, as well as forward Andrew Basha, were both invited to the NHL’s draft combine starting today in Buffalo. The combine is a week full of interviews, medicals and fitness testing. Players have the opportunity to meet NHL personnel and clubs ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft June 28-29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
