Gavin McKenna, projected as a top pick for the 2026 NHL draft, is set to carry over his former WHL number to NCAA hockey. The Penn State hockey program announced on Tuesday that McKenna will don jersey number 72 during his inaugural season with the team. Last season, he sported the same number while playing for the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers, where he showcased an impressive performance by scoring 129 points in 56 games.

Interestingly, number 72 has never been worn by a Penn State player before, with the highest previously issued number being 35. McKenna's selection of this unique number is part of a broader trend among the incoming freshman class, which sees several players breaking away from the program's traditional lower jersey numbers. Freshman defenseman Nolan Collins, who is a prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, will wear number 77 next season, while fellow freshman forward Shea Van Olm, a former standout in the WHL, will adopt the highest jersey number in program history at number 93.

In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will wear number 7 after being picked in the first round of the 2025 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Furthermore, a recent rule change now allows former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to compete in NCAA hockey, positioning McKenna as one of the most anticipated prospects in the collegiate game leading up to the NHL draft. At just 17 years old, McKenna announced his commitment to Penn State on July 8, following considerations of other programs, including Michigan State. As Penn State comes off its first Frozen Four appearance, the program expects McKenna to join Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink on the top line, with hopes for a national title next spring, which might also mark McKenna’s singular college season before he enters the 2026 NHL draft.