Gavin McKenna, a highly regarded prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, is set to take his talents to NCAA hockey as he joins the Penn State Nittany Lions this season. The program recently announced that McKenna will wear the number 72, a number he donned during his time with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, where he showcased exceptional skill by scoring 129 points in 56 games last season.

Interestingly, No. 72 marks a historical milestone for the Nittany Lions, as it has never been worn before in the program's history. Previously, the highest number worn by a Penn State player was 35. McKenna is joined by fellow freshman Nolan Collins, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect who will take on No. 77, and Shea Van Olm, a former WHL standout who will set a new record for the highest jersey number in the program by wearing No. 93. In contrast, defenseman Jackson Smith will wear No. 7 after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The recent change in rules allowing former CHL players to compete in NCAA hockey positions McKenna as one of the most anticipated collegiate prospects ahead of the NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward made his commitment to Penn State known on July 8, after also considering Michigan State. Following the Nittany Lions' inaugural Frozen Four appearance, they look to build on their success with the return of key player Aiden Fink, a Nashville Predators prospect and Hobey Baker Award finalist from last season. With McKenna joining Fink on the top line, the Nittany Lions aim to contend for a national championship next spring, potentially in what could be McKenna's only college season before entering the 2026 NHL Draft.