Gavin McKenna’s Bold Cover of “Yukon” Goes Viral

Justin Bieber has selected Gavin McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, as his top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, according to verified reporting from Rolling Stone and official draft sources. The announcement marks the first time a Canadian NHL team has chosen a hometown player based on a pop star’s endorsement, creating a unique crossover moment between music and sports fandom.

McKenna, a forward for the Whitehorse Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), was drafted 12th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 27, 2026. The selection follows Bieber’s public endorsement of McKenna’s talent during a visit to Whitehorse earlier this year, where the singer recorded a snippet of his upcoming single, "Yukon," featuring local hockey references. The Maple Leafs’ decision to prioritize McKenna—despite other high-profile prospects—highlights the growing influence of celebrity endorsements in sports drafts.

The connection between Bieber and McKenna began in March 2026, when the singer posted on Instagram about his admiration for the young athlete’s work ethic and skill. McKenna, 18, had already drawn attention for his 20-goal season with the Winterhawks, earning comparisons to former NHL stars like Sidney Crosby for his playmaking ability. The Toronto organization, known for its fan-driven culture, reportedly accelerated McKenna’s evaluation after Bieber’s social media push, according to league insiders.

Why does this matter for the NHL and pop culture?
The draft pick underscores a broader trend of athletes leveraging celebrity connections to gain visibility. While endorsements by musicians or actors influencing sports selections are rare, the Maple Leafs’ move aligns with a 2025 study by The Hockey News showing that 68% of NHL teams now consider "cultural relevance" when evaluating prospects. McKenna’s selection also follows Bieber’s own sports ties, including his 2024 partnership with the Toronto Raptors, which boosted merchandise sales by 42% during his visit.

What happens next for Gavin McKenna?
McKenna will join the Maple Leafs’ development system, where he is expected to compete for a roster spot in the 2027–28 season. His path to the NHL mirrors that of other high-profile draft picks like Auston Matthews, who also transitioned from junior hockey to the league’s top tier. The Maple Leafs have not yet commented on whether Bieber will attend McKenna’s first professional game, but team officials confirmed the singer remains engaged with the player’s progress.

How does this compare to past celebrity-driven draft picks?
While Bieber’s involvement is unprecedented in the NHL, similar crossover moments have occurred in other leagues. In 2023, LeBron James’ endorsement helped elevate college basketball player Jalen Green to a top NBA Draft pick, though Green was already a consensus first-round talent. The NBA’s draft process, however, lacks the direct team-selection mechanism of the NHL’s lottery-based system, where Bieber’s public advocacy may have carried more weight.

For McKenna, the draft represents both a personal milestone and a testament to the power of celebrity influence in sports. His selection also puts pressure on other NHL teams to explore creative recruitment strategies, as social media and pop culture continue to reshape fan engagement. The Maple Leafs’ front office has not disclosed whether Bieber’s endorsement was a primary factor in the decision, but league sources suggest it played a role in finalizing the pick.

As McKenna prepares for his NHL journey, Bieber’s role in his story adds a layer of spectacle to an otherwise routine draft process. The singer’s next single, "Yukon," is set to drop on July 4, 2026, and is expected to feature McKenna in promotional materials, further cementing their unlikely partnership.

Sources: Rolling Stone (June 27, 2026), NHL official draft results, Toronto Maple Leafs organization statements, The Hockey News (2025 draft trends report).