Gavin McKenna is set to bring his former Western Hockey League (WHL) jersey number to the NCAA as he dons No. 72 for his debut season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, a move announced by the program on Tuesday. McKenna, projected as a top pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, previously wore this number while playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he achieved an impressive tally of 129 points across 56 games during the last season.

Notably, No. 72 has never been worn by a player in Penn State's hockey history. The previous highest jersey number utilized by a Nittany Lions player was No. 35, marking a significant departure from tradition. Furthermore, McKenna is not the only incoming freshman choosing higher numbers as he embarks on his college career. Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Nolan Collins has opted for No. 77, while freshman forward Shea Van Olm will set a new benchmark as he sports No. 93, which is the highest number recorded in the program's history, according to Penn State.

In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will wear No. 7, transitioning into the Nittany Lions after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This change comes on the heels of a recent rule adjustment permitting former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to participate in NCAA hockey, positioning McKenna as one of the most anticipated prospects to compete at the collegiate level before entering the NHL draft. McKenna made his commitment to Penn State on July 8, having also given consideration to Michigan State. The Nittany Lions are coming off their first Frozen Four appearance, with Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink returning after being a Hobey Baker award finalist last season. With McKenna joining Fink on the top line, expectations are high for Penn State as they aim for national championship contention in what may be McKenna’s solitary college season ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.