Gavin McKenna, anticipated to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft according to Elite Outlook’s Cam Robinson, is set to join the University of Pennsylvania’s hockey team in the 2025-26 season, with an official announcement expected soon. Starting August 1, 2025, groundbreaking rule changes will allow junior players from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to compete in NCAA hockey, overturning the previous ban due to their expert status.
McKenna emerges as the most notable recruit for Pennsylvania’s hockey program, having previously been focused on elevating his game at the collegiate level. SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that McKenna visited Michigan State, Michigan, Denver, and Pennsylvania before ultimately choosing the Nittany Lions, narrowly edging out the Spartans as his final recruitment choice.
During the 2024-25 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League, McKenna delivered an outstanding performance at 17 years old, posting 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) over 56 games and adding 38 points (9 goals, 29 assists) in 16 playoff games. His 2.304 points per game ranks third all-time for 17-year-olds in league history, trailing only behind Connor Bedard and Rob Brown. McKenna’s WHL career totals include 244 points (79 goals, 165 assists) across 133 games.
He ranked second in the WHL for points and fifth for goals, led the league in assists, and was notable in power play assists and shorthanded goals. McKenna also maintained an impressive 54-game point streak spanning the regular season and playoffs. Recognized as a generational talent, McKenna’s 2024-25 stats surpassed those of Connor McDavid’s age-17 season in the OHL.
Pennsylvania’s hockey program, classified as a club team prior to the 2012-13 season, has steadily improved, achieving a 22-14-4 record and reaching its first Frozen Four in the 2024-25 season. The program has also secured commitments from other top NHL prospects like Jackson Smith and Luke Misa. With McKenna joining the team next season, the Nittany Lions are poised to be a strong contender in the Big Ten and have another deep run in the Frozen Four tournament.
Fan Take: Gavin McKenna’s commitment to Pennsylvania signals a significant shift in college hockey, especially with the new NCAA eligibility rules for junior players. His arrival could elevate the Nittany Lions to new heights and inspire more top-tier talent to consider NCAA hockey, boosting the sport’s competitiveness and popularity.
