McKenna, Molendyk honoured by year-end award nominations

By JAMES TUBB on April 16, 2025.

The two Medicine Hat Tigers tabbed as finalists for WHL Awards take pride from the selection but are looking for more to end their seasons.

Tigers forward Gavin McKenna and defenceman Tanner Molendyk were each nominated for one of the WHL’s regular season awards heading into the second round of the playoffs.

McKenna is one of six finalists for the WHL’s player of the year award and Molendyk has been nominated for the league’s defenceman of the year award.

The 17-year-old McKenna finished this sophomore regular season in the WHL with 41 goals and 129 points in 56 games. He also led the CHL with a 40-game point streak that started Nov. 6, 2024 through the end of the regular season.

He’s nominated for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy alongside Eastern conference opponents Oliver Tulk (forward, Calgary Hitmen) and Max Hildebrand (goalie, Prince Albert Raiders). The three finalists from the Western conference are Kyle Chyzowski (forward, Portland Winterhawks) and Spokane Chiefs forwards Andrew Cristall and Berkly Catton.

“It was one of my goals at the start of the year to be in the talk for the award, and hopefully I have a good shot at it,” McKenna said. “I’m happy with the year I had, but it’s not over yet. Our goal is to win a championship and that’s what we’re here to do.”

Molendyk, in his fifth WHL season, shared a similar sentiment talking about his award nomination.

“It’s huge, I’m honoured to be selected for that, but the job’s not finished yet,” Molendyk said. “I’m here for a championship.”

The Nashville Predators prospect collected nine goals and 47 points in 49 games between Medicine Hat and the Saskatoon Blades. He, alongside McKenna, were named to the WHL’s Eastern conference, first all-star team.

He’s nominated for the WHL’s Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for defenceman of the year with Noah Chadwick (Lethbridge Hurricanes), Luke Shipley (Brandon Wheat Kings), Tyson Jugnauth (Portland Winterhawks), Mazden Leslie (Vancouver Giants) and Viliam Kmec (Prince George Cougars).

Winners of 2025 WHL Awards will be announced from April 22 through May 7.

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