McKenna's Celebration and Journey: A Closer Look
After finding the back of the net on Friday, McKenna celebrated with a swagger that would make UFC star Conor McGregor proud. It was a moment he had planned, telling his parents the day before that if he scored, he'd bring out the arm-flapping strut.
"Yeah, just emotional," McKenna shared with reporters post-game. "I was just having fun out there.
A lot of stuff going on in my life right now, so being out on the rink, being with the guys, that’s my happiness. So, I just thought I’d show some personality."
This weekend was significant for McKenna as it marked his first set of home games with Penn State since facing legal challenges. Charged with two counts of assault after an incident on January 31, the more serious charge was dropped, and a preliminary hearing for the remaining charge is scheduled for March 11.
Hailing from Whitehorse, McKenna's roots in British Columbia run deep, thanks to his time with Rink Academy Kelowna. His journey to Penn State was a leap from the Medicine Hat Tigers, capitalizing on the NCAA's new rule allowing WHL players to receive scholarships. His impressive tally of 41 goals and 129 points in 56 regular season games with the Tigers last season speaks to his talent.
In a bit of historical context, the Canucks have never held the No. 1 overall draft pick. They briefly owned it in 1999 but traded it away in a strategic move by GM Brian Burke to secure Daniel and Henrik Sedin at the second and third spots, respectively.
McKenna's story is one of talent, resilience, and a bit of showmanship-elements that make sports so captivating.