Gavin McKenna, the Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game on Saturday. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, received a warm reception from fans as he took the mound at Rogers Centre. Wearing a Blue Jays jersey with the number 26, McKenna tossed the ball to home plate, where George Springer, a hockey fan, caught it. Springer then autographed the baseball for McKenna, who admitted he had never attended a baseball game before. The event marked McKenna's first public appearance in Toronto since being drafted.
McKenna's draft moment was made even more memorable when pop star Justin Bieber announced his selection. Bieber, a lifelong Maple Leafs fan, appeared on stage at the draft in Buffalo, New York, to formally introduce McKenna. The pop star, who grew up in Stratford, Ontario, shared his excitement and praised McKenna's talent. McKenna, who is of First Nations heritage, expressed gratitude to his family and fans, particularly those from Yukon.
McKenna's journey to the NHL has been supported by his family, including his parents, Krystal and Willy, who built a backyard rink for him to practice. His mother, a former player and gym instructor, and his father, who works in construction, have been instrumental in his development. McKenna will wear the number 72, a nod to his birth year and his admiration for Patrick Kane.
The Maple Leafs' general manager, John Chayka, traveled to Yukon to meet McKenna's family, emphasizing the team's commitment to the young player. McKenna's selection is seen as a significant step for the Leafs, who aim to rebuild after a challenging season.