Gavin McKenna is making the transition from the Western Hockey League (WHL) to NCAA hockey, bringing with him the number he donned while playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers. The highly touted prospect, projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will wear No. 72 during his inaugural season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, as announced by the program on Tuesday. This marks a notable moment in the team's history, as no player in Penn State's hockey program has ever worn the No. 72 jersey.

Throughout the previous season in the WHL, McKenna distinguished himself by scoring an impressive 129 points in just 56 games. The highest jersey number previously worn by a Nittany Lions player was No. 35, making McKenna's choice of No. 72 a significant departure from the team's historical trends regarding jersey numbers. He will not be the only incoming freshman breaking from tradition; Nolan Collins, a defenseman and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, is set to wear No. 77 next season. Another newcomer, Shea Van Olm, a forward with a strong WHL background, will set a new program record by wearing No. 93, as reported by Penn State.

Complementing these notable jersey numbers is the addition of Jackson Smith, a freshman defenseman who will don No. 7 after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The recent rule change that permits former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to compete in NCAA hockey has positioned McKenna as one of the most eagerly awaited prospects in the collegiate ranks ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna confirmed his commitment to Penn State on July 8, choosing the Nittany Lions over other options, including Michigan State. The team, fresh off their first Frozen Four appearance, is optimistic about their upcoming season, especially with the return of Aiden Fink, a Nashville Predators prospect and former Hobey Baker Award finalist. With McKenna expected to join Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions are aiming for a national championship next spring, potentially in McKenna's sole collegiate season before he enters the draft.