Gavin McKenna is transitioning from the Western Hockey League (WHL) to NCAA hockey, adopting his former WHL number in the process. The projected top pick of the 2026 NHL Draft will don No. 72 as he begins his first season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, a decision announced by the program on Tuesday.

Previously, McKenna wore No. 72 while playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, where he achieved an impressive tally of 129 points across 56 games last season. Notably, No. 72 will mark a historic moment for Penn State, as no player in the program's history has sported this number. The highest number previously worn by a Nittany Lions player was No. 35, establishing McKenna's choice as a significant deviation from the program's past jersey number traditions.

McKenna is not the only incoming freshman making waves with higher jersey numbers. Freshman defenseman Nolan Collins, a prospect of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will wear No. 77 next season. Additionally, Shea Van Olm, a former standout in the WHL, will set a new program record by wearing No. 93. In contrast, Jackson Smith, a freshman defenseman who was the first-round selection for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 NHL Draft, will wear No. 7. A recent rule change permitting former CHL players to compete in NCAA hockey paves the way for McKenna to emerge as a highly anticipated prospect ahead of the NHL draft. The 17-year-old forward confirmed his commitment to Penn State on July 8 after considering other options, including Michigan State. This season, the Nittany Lions aim to build on their recent achievements, following their first Frozen Four appearance, with Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink returning after a standout last season that saw him nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. With McKenna expected to join Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions will strive for a national title in what may be McKenna's sole college season prior to the 2026 NHL Draft.