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Luke Ravitz: The McKenna Era Begins: Penn State Lands Generational Talent |
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The McKenna Era Begins: Penn State Lands Generational Talent
By Luke Ravitz:
Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and the most hyped Canadian prospect since Connor McDavid, has committed to Penn State University for the 2025–26 season. The 17-year-old phenom from Whitehorse, Yukon, will become the face of a rising Nittany Lions program.
As mentioned in my last article, NCAA rules are now allowing players from the CHL to retain eligibility and NIL collectives. Backed by powerhouse football programs flooding in cash, McKenna’s move from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to Happy Valley signals something bigger: college hockey is no longer a thought—it’s a destination.
McKenna isn’t just a good prospect. He’s already dominant.
His résumé at 17 is staggering:
● 2024–25 WHL Season:
○ 56 GP | 41 G | 88 A | 129 PTS
○ Second-highest point total in the league
○ 54-game point streak
● 2024–25 WHL Playoffs:
○ 16 GP | 9 G | 29 A | 38 PTS
○ Carried Medicine Hat to the Memorial Cup Final
● International Play:
○ 2023 U18 Worlds: 20 points in 7 games (led Canada)
○ 2024 U20 Worlds: Youngest player on Canada’s roster
○ Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 6 points in 5 games
● Career WHL Totals (through 2025):
○ 133 GP | 79 G | 165 A | 244 PTS
He’s already won the CHL Player of the Year, the WHL MVP, and was a finalist for the Memorial Cup MVP. His elite hockey IQ, vision, and skating ability have some NHL executives quietly calling him a franchise-changing player.
McKenna chose Penn State over offers from Michigan State, Boston University, and others. According to reports, NIL money played a role—but so did the program's trajectory and geography.
Pegula Ice Arena, backed by a $100 million donation from Sabres/Bills owner Terry Pegula, is now one of the best facilities in college hockey. After coming off a historic Frozen Four run in 2025, Penn State has landed other high-end prospects like Columbus first-rounder Jackson Smith and Flames prospect Luke Misa. Flyers sixth overall pick, Porter Martone, could also be a potential commitment.
Although it has not been confirmed, NIL deals likely ranging from $100,000 to $500,000+, helped seal the deal. The last key factor on why McKenna chose to play in Happy Valley could be the proximity to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which gives him media exposure and NHL scouting visibility.
McKenna’s commitment is about more than one player. It’s a statement that NCAA hockey can now outbid and out-attract CHL franchises.
Penn State is now a national title favorite heading into 2025–26 at +400 via Draftkings. NHL scouts will swarm Pegula Ice Arena, and national media will follow McKenna's every shift. And future stars in the CHL will see a new path open—one that leads through Happy Valley.
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