Gavin McKenna, the projected number 1 selection of the NHL 2026 Draft, is committed to Penn State University, announced Tuesday.
McKenna, 17, is considered the highest profile recruit in the history of the NCAA hockey. He made his decision after making the final visits to Penn State and Michigan State last weekend.
“After two unforgettable seasons with the Tigers medicine hat, I am very excited to continue my hockey career in Penn State,” McKenna told ESPN. “I feel that this is the next step in my development to achieve my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL and I am excited to get to Happy Valley. I am very grateful for all the support I have received so far, especially for my family that has been with me through everything.”
The NHL talent evaluators have long projected McKenna, an end of 6 feet, to be a star, in the mold of recent selections number 1 of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebini. An NHL executive who has explored McKenna told ESPN that the extreme skills set is similar to Patrick Kane, the McKenna player said he grew up idolizing.
McKenna scored 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games, including a streak of 40 points games, for the Hat Tigers last season, since he took his team to his first WHL title since 2007 and a trip to the final of the Memorial Cup against the London Knights.
McKenna was the ChL player of the year 2024, becoming the third youngest player to win the award, only behind Sidney Crosby and John Tavares.
Whitehorse native, Yukon, McKenna is a member of the first trʼondëk hwëchʼin nation.
McKenna's commitment is a seismic movement for university hockey, and another indicator of a new long -term trend: a November rules change allowed Chl players to compete in the NCAA next season for the first time. Previously, CHL players were prohibited due to the NCAA amateurism rules.
Penn State, which has been a Division I program since the 2012-13 season, has been the greatest benefactor. The Nittany Lions also received a commitment from Alberta Jackson Smith's native, who was recruited in the first 2025 NHL draft round by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smith, 18, becomes the first team of the NHL first round of Penn State.
According to the sources, McKenna received a “extremely generous six -digit” null offer from Penn State as part of his recruitment, which is believed to be the greatest in the history of university hockey.
Penn State is leaving its first frozen appearance, losing to Boston University. The Nittany Lions have high -end facilities and strong continuity; Guy Gadowsky has been the coach since his inaugural season of Division I. Gadowsky's son, Mac, is also transferring to Penn State next season, which is another coup d'etat. Mac Gadowsky, a defense, was a finalist of Hobey Baker for the army last season. Calgary Flame Luke Misa prospect also pledged to Penn State for the next season.
