Gavin McKenna, a highly regarded forward and projected top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, is set to make his mark in NCAA hockey as he joins the Penn State Nittany Lions. The team has announced that McKenna will don the number 72 during his inaugural season, a number he previously wore while playing for the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers, where he amassed an impressive 129 points in just 56 games last season.

This represents a significant milestone for Penn State, as no player in the program's history has worn the number 72; previously, the highest number registered was 35. Additionally, McKenna is not alone in challenging the traditional lower jersey number trends within the program. Freshman defenseman Nolan Collins, also a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, will wear number 77, while Shea Van Olm, a standout forward from the WHL, is set to establish a new benchmark with number 93. Conversely, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will wear number 7, following his selection in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The recent rule change permitting former Canadian Hockey League players to transition into NCAA hockey has positioned McKenna as one of the most anticipated collegiate prospects as he approaches the NHL Draft. Announcing his commitment to Penn State on July 8, he considered Michigan State as another option. The Nittany Lions are coming off their first appearance in the Frozen Four and look forward to the return of Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink, who finished last season as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. With McKenna joining Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions aim for a strong national title campaign next spring, which could be McKenna's only college season before entering the 2026 NHL Draft.