Gavin McKenna, a highly anticipated prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, is set to carry his former Western Hockey League (WHL) number into NCAA hockey. Announced on Tuesday, Penn State revealed that McKenna will don jersey No. 72 during his inaugural season with the program. This number is notable as no previous Nittany Lions player has ever worn it, with the highest jersey number previously recorded at No. 35.

McKenna, who last season played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL and tallied an impressive 129 points over 56 games, is not the only freshman making a statement with higher jersey numbers. Freshman defenseman Nolan Collins, a prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, will sport No. 77 next season, while fellow freshman forward Shea Van Olm will set the record for the highest jersey number in Penn State history at No. 93. In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will wear No. 7, having been selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

A recent rule change allowing former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to participate in NCAA hockey has positioned McKenna as one of the most promising prospects to play at the collegiate level before entering the NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward confirmed his commitment to Penn State on July 8, amidst reports of interest from Michigan State. Following the program's first Frozen Four appearance, Penn State is eager to build on its success, especially with Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink returning after being a Hobey Baker Award finalist last season. With McKenna joining Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions harbor hopes of contending for a national title in the upcoming spring, which could very well be McKenna’s singular collegiate season before he transitions to the NHL.