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Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
McKenna primed for ‘biggest game' of career as Tigers battle Knights for Memorial Cup
The Medicine Hat Tigers' star forward led Canada to an under-18 world championship last year. This past winter, he wore the red Maple Leaf again under the bright spotlight at the world juniors.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
McKenna primed for ‘biggest game' of career as Tigers battle Knights for Memorial Cup
RIMOUSKI - Gavin McKenna has played on big stages before. The Medicine Hat Tigers' star forward led Canada to an under-18 world championship last year. This past winter, he wore the red Maple Leaf again under the bright spotlight at the world juniors. The chance to play in the Memorial Cup final — his last game with this set of teammates — ranks a little higher for the 17-year-old phenom. 'Biggest game of my career,' he said. 'Played with this team all year. We're super tight, and this is what the whole year has led up to and we want to make sure we're leaving our all out there. 'It's a do-or-die game.' The Western Hockey League champion Tigers take on the London Knights, who won the Ontario Hockey League, for the top prize in Canadian junior hockey Sunday at Colisée Financière Sun Life. McKenna, the tournament's headliner as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft, said the last dance with this Tigers roster fuels him. So does the pressure of delivering a championship to Medicine Hat. 'Losing sucks,' he said. 'We want to do whatever it takes to win and make sure that we don't have regrets of leaving something out there that we shouldn't have.' The Tigers defeated the Knights 3-1 in round-robin play to qualify directly for the final and earn four days off. London, meanwhile, reached the championship game with a 5-2 win over the Moncton Wildcats in Friday's semifinal. The Knights also have unfinished business after last year's devastating loss, when the Saginaw Spirit scored a go-ahead goal with 22 seconds left in regulation to snatch the Memorial Cup. 'Probably the worst day of my life, and I think a lot of guys on our team,' captain Denver Barkey said. 'To come up short in the end with 20 seconds left, it was gut-wrenching. We remembered how that feels and we're gonna use it as motivation and fuel for tomorrow. 'We carried it throughout the year.' Last year, the Knights had a bye to the final and a long break before the title game, which led to a slow start and a 3-0 deficit against Saginaw. London looked superior against Medicine Hat in the round-robin and led the shot count 36-29, but couldn't solve Tigers netminder Harrison Meneghin more than once. Tigers defenceman Tanner Molendyk expects to have his hands full against a Knights team with 12 NHL draft picks and four first-rounders. He said it's the toughest opponent they've faced all season. 'Look at the chances they got. I mean, they kind of created a lot off the rush,' he said. 'They're a quick team, they got a lot of skill, and we gotta find a way to stop that. They come at you hot, but we've done stuff to hopefully prevent that.' All game, the Knights contained McKenna, who only picked up an assist on Ryder Ritchie's empty-net goal in the dying seconds. McKenna, of Whitehorse, has two goals and three assists in three Memorial Cup games after piling up 129 points in 56 outings this past regular season. Tigers head coach and GM Willie Desjardins said McKenna didn't enter the tournament at his best after missing two games in the WHL championship series with an undisclosed injury. 'He wasn't on top of his game,' Desjardins said. 'But he's such a quality guy, you still have him out at the end of the games, because he has the ability to find a way. He just does. He finds a way. And that's what makes him special. 'He just seems to have a way in big tournaments to play better. We're hoping he has his best game for sure.' The Tigers will play in their fourth Memorial Cup final, hoping to win their third title — and first since going back-to-back in 1987 and 1988. London will try to hoist its third Memorial Cup in a fifth championship game appearance. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
McKenna primed for ‘biggest game' of career as Tigers battle Knights for Memorial Cup
RIMOUSKI – Gavin McKenna has played on big stages before. The Medicine Hat Tigers' star forward led Canada to an under-18 world championship last year. This past winter, he wore the red Maple Leaf again under the bright spotlight at the world juniors. The chance to play in the Memorial Cup final — his last game with this set of teammates — ranks a little higher for the 17-year-old phenom. 'Biggest game of my career,' he said. 'Played with this team all year. We're super tight, and this is what the whole year has led up to and we want to make sure we're leaving our all out there. 'It's a do-or-die game.' The Western Hockey League champion Tigers take on the London Knights, who won the Ontario Hockey League, for the top prize in Canadian junior hockey Sunday at Colisée Financière Sun Life. McKenna, the tournament's headliner as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft, said the last dance with this Tigers roster fuels him. So does the pressure of delivering a championship to Medicine Hat. 'Losing sucks,' he said. 'We want to do whatever it takes to win and make sure that we don't have regrets of leaving something out there that we shouldn't have.' The Tigers defeated the Knights 3-1 in round-robin play to qualify directly for the final and earn four days off. London, meanwhile, reached the championship game with a 5-2 win over the Moncton Wildcats in Friday's semifinal. The Knights also have unfinished business after last year's devastating loss, when the Saginaw Spirit scored a go-ahead goal with 22 seconds left in regulation to snatch the Memorial Cup. 'Probably the worst day of my life, and I think a lot of guys on our team,' captain Denver Barkey said. 'To come up short in the end with 20 seconds left, it was gut-wrenching. We remembered how that feels and we're gonna use it as motivation and fuel for tomorrow. 'We carried it throughout the year.' Last year, the Knights had a bye to the final and a long break before the title game, which led to a slow start and a 3-0 deficit against Saginaw. London looked superior against Medicine Hat in the round-robin and led the shot count 36-29, but couldn't solve Tigers netminder Harrison Meneghin more than once. Tigers defenceman Tanner Molendyk expects to have his hands full against a Knights team with 12 NHL draft picks and four first-rounders. He said it's the toughest opponent they've faced all season. 'Look at the chances they got. I mean, they kind of created a lot off the rush,' he said. 'They're a quick team, they got a lot of skill, and we gotta find a way to stop that. They come at you hot, but we've done stuff to hopefully prevent that.' All game, the Knights contained McKenna, who only picked up an assist on Ryder Ritchie's empty-net goal in the dying seconds. McKenna, of Whitehorse, has two goals and three assists in three Memorial Cup games after piling up 129 points in 56 outings this past regular season. Tigers head coach and GM Willie Desjardins said McKenna didn't enter the tournament at his best after missing two games in the WHL championship series with an undisclosed injury. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'He wasn't on top of his game,' Desjardins said. 'But he's such a quality guy, you still have him out at the end of the games, because he has the ability to find a way. He just does. He finds a way. And that's what makes him special. 'He just seems to have a way in big tournaments to play better. We're hoping he has his best game for sure.' The Tigers will play in their fourth Memorial Cup final, hoping to win their third title — and first since going back-to-back in 1987 and 1988. London will try to hoist its third Memorial Cup in a fifth championship game appearance. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Soccer veteran Scott hangs up cleats in Winnipeg where historic career all started
One hundred and eighty-eight. There are a lot of numbers that have helped write the storied career of Desiree Scott, but that one will perhaps mean the most to the Winnipeg-born midfielder when it's all said and done. It's the number of international caps that the 37-year-old will have logged when time is called on the Canadian Women's National Team's friendly against Haiti at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday (1 p.m.). BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott practices at Princess Auto Stadium ahead of Saturday's international friendly against Haiti. No. 188 will be at home, and it will be her last. 'There's been a lot of games,' Scott said Friday after Team Canada's training session. 'I look back at my career, and you don't see the things we have gone through… with the team until you can take a step back. For me, it's all about a celebration. It's about another opportunity to wear the Red and White and just enjoy the moment out there with my team.' Scott's international career, which began in 2010, will end with the fourth-most caps by a Canadian and tied with Hege Riise (Denmark) and Laura Georges (France) for the 40th most all time. 'I think it's bittersweet. This team has been my life for the last 14 years. It's obviously changed a lot over the last 14 years, as well, with a lot of the veteran players retiring, but there's still a solid core group that I've devoted the last 10 years with,' she said. 'So I'm really just soaking up those moments in my hotel — the meals, sharing some laughs, and just reminiscing on the past, and looking forward to this game tomorrow.' Affectionately known as 'The Destroyer' due to her defensive prowess, Scott announced in April she would retire from international play, with Saturday's game in her hometown marking her send-off. No. 7-ranked Canada and No. 51 Haiti will play again on June 3 at Montreal's Stade Saputo. Scott will ride off as one of Canada's most decorated women's soccer players ever, having represented the country at four Olympic Games while earning bronze at London 2012 and Rio 2016, respectively, and gold at Tokyo 2020. She is one of three players to win three consecutive Olympic medals. 'I think there's no greater honour than representing your country. I think we don't realize how special that is until you're no longer putting on that jersey and walking around with the Maple Leaf on your chest,' Scott said. 'One of my best memories is beating the Americans in Tokyo in that semifinal to then go on to win gold. I mean, that's what dreams are made of, and to see the rise of this team and its success and to be on that journey, playing and having a hand in it, has been my greatest joy.' Scott estimates there will be 200 close family and friends in attendance for the match. She's had a few moments to catch up with loved ones since the team has been in town, but much of her time has been spent preparing for the last hurrah. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott's final international game on Saturday will be her 188th cap. That Scott has remained one of the hardest workers on the team comes as no surprise to her teammates. Captain Jessie Fleming credited the 14-year veteran's consistency on and off the pitch, noting she's as reliable as they come. 'Just happy that we get the opportunity to properly celebrate Desi,' said Fleming, who joined the team in 2013. 'I mean, she loves her city, she loves where she comes from, she's constantly talking about Winnipeg, so I think it's special that we're here in her hometown and get to send her off properly. She deserves a proper send-off.' Scott grew up playing for the Maples Cougars and FC Northwest, and was later a star for the University of Manitoba Bisons, where she was named Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2005, twice a conference All-Star and an All-Canadian in 2009. Scott still holds the Bisons' program records for the most career points (56) and assists (31). In 2019, she was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame. Since joining the CWNT, Scott's influence has been more than a few timely interceptions. Players have looked to her as a coach, mentor and big sister when they are together. 'I think Des has influenced a lot of players that you see on the team now,' said Fleming. 'Right from the minute that a new player comes on the team, myself included, she's just like an older sister. She makes you feel welcome, makes you feel valued on the pitch, she hypes up the little moments on the pitch. And so I think she's really one of the people who have created that culture on our team, and that culture still exists today, and that's because of people like Desi.' There has been a looming sense of sadness in the days leading up to Saturday's contest, with the finality of a sensational career as real as ever. But there is also a sense of celebration, as Scott and her teammates reminisce on some of their best moments together, such as the dance parties they would have in hotel rooms to pass the time. 'We're super excited. What Desi's done for the game and what she embodies as a Canadian player is something we're really proud of. So, to give her some recognition tomorrow and to send her off in the best way is something we want to make sure we do right,' said assistant coach Natalie Henderson, who will fill in as head coach for Casey Stoney as she tends to a family matter at home. 'I think myself, I haven't coached Desi for a long time, (but) even just the way she's been in the environment over the last few days tells you everything you need to know. She's a great soccer player, which we know she's had an incredible career… but more important, just the type of person she is and how she's been with the young players in camp. She's an inspiration to us all.' Scott announced her retirement from the club and national level last October after 10 seasons in the National Women's Soccer League. It appeared to be the right time for her after missing the entire 2023 season with a knee injury and then being used sparingly with the Kansas City Current upon returning to action. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott's international career will end with the fourth-most caps by a Canadian and include three Olympic medals: two bronzes in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and gold at Tokyo 2020. In January, however, she was whisked out of retirement and signed with the Ottawa Rapid FC of the upstart Northern Super League. Scott, who will continue to play in the NSL for the remainder of its inaugural season, has logged 397 minutes and notched one goal and one assist in five contests with the Rapid — including the game-winning goal in the team's regular-season opener in April. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Most importantly, she's loving every second of it. 'It's been a treat to help bring something from the ground up and have a hand and continue to have an impact. I think that's one of the main reasons why I chose Ottawa is where I can have the most impact and continue to have impact in Canada, in a league that's long been talked about and needed in this country,' Scott said. 'So, the fact that I can still help play in it and inspire that next generation, help my teammates with all the knowledge I've gained over the years, it's a special way to continue on.' X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
India.com
7 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Why Trumps Missile Offer To Canada Was Rejected And How It Tested Relationship Two Countries
New Delhi: What began as one of Donald Trump's signature 'Art of the Deal' moments, offering Canada a free ride into a multi-billion-dollar U.S. missile defense system if it joined the union as the 51st state, has instead left a diplomatic frost hanging over the 49th parallel. Couched in his trademark bravado, the U.S. president's offer was met with swift rejection from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office. Canadian officials, in a statement that managed to be both measured and razor-sharp, made it clear that the country would not be trading in its sovereignty for a seat at America's defense table, discounted or not. However, behind the political theater, experts suggest the episode is unlikely to cause lasting damage to the deep and often complex Canada-U.S. relationship. Instead, it may serve as another reminder of the differences in political tone and national identity between the two neighbours. Trump's comments, in short term, are expected to generate diplomatic awkwardness. Already wary of Trump's unpredictable style, Canadian officials may approach future discussions – especially on defense matters – with more guarded language and firmer red lines. Widely viewed in Canada as unserious and borderline offensive, the proposal has sparked a wave of public and political backlash – uniting voices across the spectrum in defense of national pride. 'The idea that we would give up our sovereignty in exchange for defense tech, no matter how sophisticated, strikes at the core of what it means to be Canadian. We can cooperate without capitulating,' said one senior official familiar with bilateral negotiations. But even as Ottawa slams the door on the notion of statehood. It is not retreating from its long-standing security commitments. Canada is modernise NORAD in collaboration with the United States, including a recent C$6 billion deal with Australia to enhance Arctic radar capabilities. Built on decades of binational cooperation, analysts believe that relationship is too institutionalised to be rattled by one rhetorical flare-up. Still, the episode is likely to reinforce a political trend already underway in Canada – a growing emphasis on defense autonomy and national self-reliance. Trump's proposal may ironically have the opposite effect of what he intended, spurring Canada to assert its independence more forcefully on the world stage. Ultimately, while the missile defense proposal may fade from headlines, the message from Ottawa is likely to stick – Canada is open to defense collaboration, but not at the expense of its identity. And if Trump was hoping to fold the Maple Leaf into the Stars and Stripes, he just learned that polite does not mean pliant.
