Gavin McKenna is transitioning from the Western Hockey League (WHL) to NCAA hockey, adopting his former WHL number as he begins his first season with Penn State. The anticipated top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft will don No. 72, a number he wore while playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers last season where he recorded an impressive 129 points in 56 games. This marks a significant moment for Penn State, as no player prior had worn No. 72, the highest number previously assigned being No. 35.

McKenna's choice of jersey number is part of a larger trend observed among incoming freshmen, with other first-year players also selecting numbers that break traditional norms. Notably, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Nolan Collins will wear No. 77, while Shea Van Olm, a forward and former WHL standout, is set to establish a new record for the highest jersey number in program history by wearing No. 93. In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will wear No. 7, joining Penn State after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

A recent rule change enabling former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to compete in NCAA hockey has set the stage for McKenna to emerge as one of the most highly regarded prospects in college hockey ahead of the upcoming NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward announced his commitment to Penn State on July 8, having also considered Michigan State for his collegiate journey. With Penn State fresh off its first appearance in the Frozen Four and the return of Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink, a Hobey Baker Award finalist last season, McKenna's addition to the top line is anticipated to bolster the Nittany Lions' pursuit of a national title in the coming spring, which could potentially be McKenna's sole season in college hockey before entering the NHL Draft.