McKenna distraught after semis loss: 'Letting your country down sucks'

Gavin McKenna is feeling the weight of Canada's heartbreaking semifinal defeat to Czechia on Sunday at the world juniors.

"It's the same feeling," McKenna said after the loss, per The Canadian Press. "Letting your country down sucks."

McKenna was one of six returnees from last year's roster, which lost to Czechia in the quarters. The 18-year-old, who's been projected as the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for several years, has 10 points in six games at this year's tournament.

He's hopeful Canada can rebound in time to defeat Finland in the bronze-medal game Monday.

"Very tough, but doing it for Canada," McKenna said. "We've got to regroup to be ready."

Canada has been eliminated by the Czechs three years in a row, with each defeat coming via a dramatic late goal. Sunday's contest was decided by Tomas Poletin's go-ahead tally with 1:14 remaining in regulation. Despite the tight scoreline, forward Michael Misa acknowledged Canada was outplayed.

"They just played grittier," Misa said. "The whole game, they outcompeted us."

If Canada fails to defeat Finland on Monday, it will mark the country's first three-year medal drought at the event since 1979-81.