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 / 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 The Pearland
The selection of Gavin McKenna by the Toronto Maple Leafs may seem like a distant event to Pearland residents, but it holds significance for local hockey enthusiasts. As the Houston area continues to grow, so does its interest in hockey, with many residents following the sport and its developments. The NHL draft's excitement can trickle down to local youth hockey programs, inspiring young players in Pearland and surrounding areas to strive for similar success. McKenna's story, from being a top prospect to being chosen first overall, can motivate local athletes to work towards their own goals, whether that's playing in the NHL or competing at the collegiate or amateur level. As Pearland's community continues to evolve, its connection to the broader hockey world, including events like the NHL draft, can have a lasting impact on the city's sports landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Wawrow, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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