Gavin McKenna, a highly regarded prospect projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is set to continue his hockey career by donning the jersey number 72 at Penn State University. This announcement was made 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 had an impressive season, amassing 129 points in 56 games.

The choice of jersey number is noteworthy, as no player in Penn State hockey history has ever worn No. 72. The previous highest number worn by a Nittany Lions player was No. 35. McKenna is not the only freshman breaking the mold in this regard; fellow incoming freshman Nolan Collins, who is a prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, will wear No. 77. In an even more striking move, Shea Van Olm, a former standout from the WHL, will set a program record with the highest jersey number at No. 93. In contrast, freshman defenseman Jackson Smith will be wearing No. 7 after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

A recent change in NCAA regulations, which now allows players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to compete in NCAA hockey, positions McKenna as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in collegiate hockey before entering the NHL Draft. At just 17 years old, the forward committed to Penn State on July 8 after considering offers from other programs, including Michigan State. This season, Penn State is building on the momentum of its first Frozen Four appearance, and with Nashville Predators prospect Aiden Fink expected to return after being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season, expectations are high. With McKenna anticipated to play alongside Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions are aiming for a national title in what may be McKenna's singular season in college hockey before he transitions to the NHL in 2026.