Gavin McKenna, widely regarded as a generational hockey talent and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has committed to play at Penn State University this upcoming season. The 17-year-old forward announced his decision during an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” highlighting the support of his family and the overall environment at Penn State as key factors.
This decision marks a major milestone for the NCAA, as McKenna becomes the most prominent player yet to take advantage of the recent rule change allowing CHL players to play college hockey.
McKenna emphasized that playing against older, stronger competition in college will better prepare him for the NHL. He values the maturity of the college environment and the physical demands of NCAA hockey as a stepping stone for his pro aspirations. Despite his appreciation for his time in the WHL with Medicine Hat, McKenna believes the competitive NCAA landscape—especially in a strong conference—will challenge him in new ways and accelerate his development.
McKenna’s stats underscore his elite status: he recorded 129 points in 56 regular-season games and 38 more in 16 playoff games for the Medicine Hat Tigers. He continued his dominance at the Memorial Cup, where he tallied six points in four games. These performances earned him major honors, including the WHL Player of the Year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award—making him the third-youngest to ever win the CHL’s top individual honor, after John Tavares and Sidney Crosby.
Gavin McKenna (NHL)Scouts Praise McKenna’s Skillset as Penn State Builds a Championship-Caliber Program
NHL scouts rave about McKenna’s unique combination of offensive instincts, playmaking, composure, and competitiveness. Central Scouting’s Dan Marr compared him to Patrick Kane and Doug Gilmour, citing his ability to thrive despite a lighter build. McKenna’s intelligence, skating, and grit have positioned him as a complete player with a clear NHL future. His 54-game point streak during the 2024–25 season set a modern CHL record, showcasing his consistency and dominance.
Penn State, which only joined Division I hockey in 2012-13, reached the Frozen Four for the first time last season. Head coach Guy Gadowsky credited the hard work of alumni and staff in building a top-tier program. The university’s elite hockey facilities at Pegula Ice Arena also played a significant role in McKenna’s decision, offering athletes world-class amenities that rival those found in the NHL. These include a top-tier weight room, nutrition facilities, and recovery equipment—all within steps of the locker room.
McKenna Joins a Stacked Penn State Roster Fueled by NHL-Caliber Young Talent
McKenna won’t be alone in his freshman season. He’ll be joined by Jackson Smith, a top defenseman drafted 14th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Returning stars Aiden Fink (Nashville Predators prospect) and Charlie Cerrato (Carolina Hurricanes draftee) will provide offensive firepower.
Fink ranked fourth in NCAA scoring last season, while Cerrato was Penn State’s second-ever NHL draft pick. Together, these core positions Penn State as a legitimate contender for the national title.
McKenna’s move is symbolic of a broader trend. With the NCAA now open to CHL players, more high-end prospects are choosing the college route. Notably, 2025 NHL Draft picks Cole Reschny (North Dakota) and Malcolm Spence (Michigan) are also shifting from Canadian junior leagues to NCAA programs.
Defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, another projected 2026 first-rounder, will also play for North Dakota. As McKenna stated, his goal at Penn State is clear: “to win a championship,”—and now, with a team stacked with talent, that dream looks more realistic than ever.
