Leaf It to Bieber
Gavin McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, walked up to Bieber's song "Yukon"
As predicted, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with their first overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday. To some surprise, however, longtime Leafs fan and famed Canadian singer Justin Bieber was on hand to make the official announcement.
“Mr. McKenna, we would like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Bieber declared from the draft stage at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Naturally, McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, walked up to the star’s hit song “Yukon.”
During his post-draft interview with Bieber, McKenna, who will join the team after a solid season at Penn State, described the surreal experience on Friday. “This is nuts,” McKenna said of the moment. “Obviously, I just want to start by thanking my family. I love you guys, I wouldn’t be here without you guys. For all the Yukoners at home, that song is for you. Thanks, Justin. I’m so grateful, I’ve got no words right now.”
