McKenna Commits to Penn State
Image Credit: Christopher Katsarov - The Canadian Press
Gavin mckenna is headed to Hockey Valley for the 2025-26 season
WRITTEN BY JAMES BLENNAU
Gavin McKenna, the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft and CHL standout, is committing to Penn State, as first reported by EliteProspects’ Cam Robinson. McKenna, 17, has spent the last three seasons with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers and also earned a selection to Team Canada’s World Junior Championship roster in 2025.
McKenna scored a superstar-like 41 goals and 88 assists for 129 points in a 56-game WHL championship-winning season with the Tigers. He also led his team to a Memorial Cup final against the OHL champion London Knights. He scored 38 points across 16 postseason games with Medicine Hat.
McKenna is widely regarded as the most impactful recruit of the CHL recruiting era and could be one of the most impactful recruits in college hockey history. While he hasn’t officially signed with the team yet, and therefore no official announcement has been made, EliteProspects also reports that it will be published in the coming days. No information has been reported about McKenna’s NIL deal as well, but it could likely be one of the largest we’ve seen in the sport by some margin.
Penn State, having already landed top CHL recruit and 14th overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jackson Smith, now adds to a nearly incomparable roster with a coaching staff that went to the program’s first Frozen Four this past season. The Nittany Lions’ roster, with this addition, places them as many fans’ favorite to win the national championship next year already.
The impact of his decision cannot be understated for the future of the sport, and will bring an unprecedented audience to Penn State’s season, also bringing pressure to the many stars gracing the Pegula Ice Arena this upcoming season. More information will be coming soon as official announcements are made, and reactions from those around the hockey world will come via Instagram live stream and a full Ice Level episode dedicated to McKenna’s commitment.
