Gavin McKenna Commits to Penn State Hockey: A Game-Changing Decision for Collegiate Ice Hockey
In a significant move for collegiate ice hockey, Gavin McKenna, widely regarded as the projected No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, has committed to play for Penn State University starting in the 2025-26 season. Announcing his decision on ESPN’s "SportsCenter," McKenna’s commitment marks a milestone for the Nittany Lions hockey program, as he is considered the biggest prospect in its history.
A Promising Future for Penn State Hockey
McKenna’s decision comes amid an eagerly anticipated shift in NCAA hockey eligibility rules. Beginning August 1, 2025, junior players from various leagues, including the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), will be allowed to play NCAA hockey. Previously, these players were classified as professionals, barring them from NCAA participation.
"It’s a super tough decision," McKenna shared. “There were a lot of great options out there, but I believe that Penn State is the best spot for me. Visiting the campus with my dad really solidified the choice.”
Leading up to his commitment, McKenna also considered Michigan, Michigan State, and Denver, with Michigan State emerging as a finalist before ultimately losing the recruitment battle to Penn State.
Record-Breaking Performance in Junior Hockey
During the 2024-25 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL), McKenna delivered an exceptional performance. The 17-year-old scored 41 goals and provided 88 assists, accumulating a remarkable total of 129 points in just 56 games. His playoff performance further boosted his stats, adding 38 points across 16 games to help lead his team to a WHL Championship victory.
Statistically, McKenna achieved a staggering 2.304 points-per-game, the third-highest rate for a 17-year-old in WHL history, falling behind only NHL stars Connor Bedard and Rob Brown. Over his WHL career, he amassed a total of 244 points (79 goals, 165 assists) in 133 games, proving to be a generational talent with the potential to transition directly to the NHL.
McKenna’s outstanding year has drawn comparisons to legendary players, even suggesting his performance at this age outshines that of Edmonton Oilers’ superstar Connor McDavid, who recorded 99 points in his age-17 season.
Building Momentum at Penn State
Penn State’s hockey program has made remarkable strides since being classified as a club team before the 2012-13 season. The team achieved a 22-14-4 record last season and made its first-ever Frozen Four appearance, a testament to its rising stature in collegiate hockey.
The addition of McKenna bolsters an already impressive recruiting class that includes first-round NHL draft pick Jackson Smith and Luke Misa, brother of San Jose Sharks first-rounder Michael Misa. With McKenna’s high-level skills and experience, Penn State is poised to become a formidable force in the Big Ten and is likely to contend for another Frozen Four appearance in the coming seasons.
Reflections on the Impact of McKenna’s Decision
Gavin McKenna’s commitment to Penn State represents a transformative moment for both the player and the university. His arrival could elevate the program’s profile and attract additional elite prospects in the future. As McKenna prepares to ink his name in NCAA hockey history, the effects of his decision will undoubtedly reverberate through the sport, sustaining interest in collegiate hockey and setting a new benchmark for aspiring players.
As the landscape of NCAA hockey evolves with changing eligibility rules and rising programs, McKenna’s choice stands as a key example of the potential for young talent to thrive at the collegiate level before making the leap to professional play. The next few seasons at Penn State will not only shape McKenna’s career but could redefine the standards for future prospects looking to follow in his footsteps.
