Gavin McKenna Makes Transition to NCAA Hockey with Penn State
Gavin McKenna is set to bring his previous Western Hockey League (WHL) number to the NCAA level as he embarks on his first season with Penn State. The highly-touted prospect, who is anticipated to be a top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will don the number 72, as confirmed by the program in an announcement made on Tuesday. During his last season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, McKenna had an impressive performance, registering 129 points over the course of 56 games.
The decision to wear number 72 is significant as no player at Penn State has previously donned this jersey number. Historically, the highest number worn by a Nittany Lions player was 35. Furthermore, McKenna is not alone in deviating from the traditional trend of lower jersey numbers. Incoming freshman defenseman Nolan Collins, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, will wear number 77 next season, while freshman forward Shea Van Olm, also a product of the WHL, will make his mark by setting a new program record with number 93. In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will maintain a lower number, opting for number 7 after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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 players to step onto the collegiate ice before the upcoming NHL draft. The 17-year-old forward confirmed his commitment to join Penn State on July 8, after contemplating offers from Michigan State as well. Penn State is coming off a successful season that culminated in the program's first Frozen Four appearance, and notable Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink is expected to return after having finished as a Hobey Baker Award finalist last season. The collaboration of McKenna and Fink on the top line is poised to ignite hopes for a national championship as the Nittany Lions aim to capitalize on this promising season, which may be McKenna’s sole college season prior to entering the 2026 NHL Draft.
