‘Big-time player’ McKenna helps Maple Leafs snap skid
Teenage hockey prospect Gavin McKenna scored the game-winning goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Teammates and coaches praised the young player's composure and confidence during high-pressure moments.
Why it matters
McKenna is being highlighted as a rising star in the NHL, demonstrating that young talent can have an immediate impact on professional team performance.
TORONTO — The game was deadlocked with less than 16 minutes to go when the youngest player in the barn took a pass from Auston Matthews on his backhand with his back to the net.
One swift inside pivot inside, three rapid stickhandles and a quick low-glove flick later, Gavin McKenna scored the game-winner. The skid snapper, head up the whole while.
Then the slight teenager in the skinny neckguard cut to the slot, glided on one knee and windmilled an emphatic fist pump, punctuating what felt like the most important victory of this young season and an even younger career.
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