Gavin McKenna is set to bring his former WHL number to the collegiate level as he begins his NCAA hockey career. The anticipated top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft will don No. 72 during his inaugural season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, as announced by the program on Tuesday. McKenna previously wore No. 72 while playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he amassed an impressive 129 points over 56 games last season.

To date, No. 72 has not been worn by any player in Penn State history. The previous highest jersey number worn by a Nittany Lions player was No. 35. In an interesting trend, McKenna is not alone among incoming freshmen choosing higher jersey numbers. Notably, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Nolan Collins, also a freshman defenseman, will wear No. 77 next season. Additionally, former WHL standout and incoming forward Shea Van Olm will mark a new high in program history by wearing No. 93, while freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will don No. 7 after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Recent amendments to NCAA eligibility rules, which now allow former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to compete in NCAA hockey, have positioned McKenna as one of the most highly sought-after prospects entering the college scene before the 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old announced his commitment to Penn State on July 8 after considering other options, including Michigan State. The Nittany Lions are coming off their first Frozen Four appearance, and with Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink returning after an outstanding season as a Hobey Baker Award finalist, expectations are high. With McKenna expected to join Fink on the top line, Penn State aims to contend for a national title in what may well be McKenna's sole season in college hockey prior to entering the NHL Draft.