Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 choose of the 2026 NHL draft, is committing to Penn State College, he introduced Tuesday.
McKenna, 17, is taken into account the best profile recruit in NCAA hockey historical past. He made his determination after taking ultimate visits to Penn State and Michigan State final weekend.
“After two unforgettable seasons with the Medication Hat Tigers I am very excited to proceed my hockey profession at Penn State,” McKenna instructed ESPN. “I really feel that is the subsequent step in my growth to achieve my final objective of enjoying within the NHL and I’m excited to get to Glad Valley. I am very appreciative for all of the assist I’ve acquired up to now, particularly to my household who has been with me by all of it.”
NHL expertise evaluators have lengthy projected McKenna, a 6-foot winger, to be a star — within the mould of latest No. 1 picks Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. One NHL government who has scouted McKenna extensively instructed ESPN the winger’s talent set is just like Patrick Kane‘s, the participant McKenna mentioned he grew up idolizing.
McKenna scored 129 factors (41 targets, 88 assists) in 56 video games — together with a 40-game factors streak — for the Hat Tigers final season as he led his group to its first WHL title since 2007 and a visit to the Memorial Cup ultimate in opposition to the London Knights.
McKenna was the 2024 CHL Participant of the 12 months, changing into the third-youngest participant to win the award, behind solely Sidney Crosby and John Tavares.
A local of Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna is a member of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.
McKenna’s dedication is a seismic transfer for school hockey, and one other indicator of a brand new long-term development: a November rule change allowed CHL gamers to compete within the NCAA subsequent season for the primary time. Beforehand, CHL gamers have been barred due to the NCAA’s amateurism guidelines.
Penn State, which has been a Division I program for the reason that 2012-13 season, has been the most important benefactor. The Nittany Lions additionally acquired a dedication from Alberta native Jackson Smith, who was drafted within the first spherical of the 2025 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smith, 18, turns into Penn State’s first, first-round NHL draft choose.
In response to sources, McKenna acquired an “extraordinarily beneficiant six determine” NIL supply from Penn State as a part of his recruitment, believed to be the most important in school hockey historical past.
Penn State is coming off its first Frozen 4 look, dropping to Boston College. The Nittany Lions boast top-end amenities and robust continuity; Man Gadowsky has been the coach since their inaugural Division I season. Gadowsky’s son, Mac, can be transferring to Penn State subsequent season which is one other coup. Mac Gadowsky, a defenseman, was a Hobey Baker finalist for Military final season. Calgary Flames prospect Luke Misa additionally dedicated to Penn State for subsequent season.