Gavin McKenna, the expected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is committed to Pennsylvania State, he announced Tuesday.
McKenna, 17, is considered the highest profile recruit in NCAA hockey history. He made the decision last weekend after his final visit to Pennsylvania and Michigan.
“After two unforgettable seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers, I’m extremely excited to continue my hockey career at Pennsylvania,” McKenna told ESPN. “This is the next step in development to achieve my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL and I’m excited to reach Happy Valley. I’m extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received so far, especially the family I’ve been with with me through everything.”
NHL talent raters have predicted McKenna, the 6-foot winger, in the recent No. 1 pick Connor Bedard and McLin Secreini mold. One NHL executive who scouted McKenna told ESPN that the winger’s skill set resembles Patrick Kane’s skill set, McKenna told him he grew up idolizing.
McKenna scored 129 points (41 goals and 88 assists) in 56 games for the Hat Tigers last season, leading the team to their first WHL title since 2007 and to the Memorial Cup final against the Knights of London.
McKenna was the CHL Player of the Year in 2024, becoming the third youngest player to win the award, after only Sydney Crosby and John Tavares.
Editor’s Pick
2 Related
The native from Whitehorse, McKenna, Yukon, is a member of the Tr’ond ëk Hwëch’in First Nation.
McKenna’s commitment is the earthquake movement of college hockey and another indicator of a new long-term trend. The November rules change allowed CHL players to compete in the NCAA for the first time next season. Previously, CHL players were banned due to the NCAA amateur rhythm rules.
Pennsylvania, which has been a Division I program since the 2012-13 season, is its biggest benefactor. The Nittany Lions also received a commitment from Alberta native Jackson Smith, drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smith, 18, will become Pennsylvania’s first first round NHL draft pick.
Sources say McKenna received an offer of “a very generous six figures” from Pennsylvania as part of his recruitment, considered to be the biggest in the history of college hockey.
Pennsylvania is away from their first frozen four appearance and is now losing to Boston University. The Nittany Lions boast top-end facilities and strong continuity. Guy Gadowsky has been a coach since his first Division I season. Gadovsky’s son Mac also transferred to Pennsylvania next season. This is another coup. Defensive man Mac Gadowsky was a finalist for the Army Hobby Baker last season. Calgary Flames Outlook Luke Misa has also committed to Pennsylvania for next season.
