"The hockey world's biggest young talent, Gavin McKenna, has already become a major part of the Penn State hockey programme after netting his first goal and a handful of assists in their season opener against the ASU Sun Devils. McKenna, who joined the Nittany Lions back in July, is the highest anticipated prospect headed into the 2026 NHL draft, but the impact he is already having on the college hockey scene is something out of the ordinary."
"McKenna who was bound to draw mass NHL scout attention was believed to have had 57 NHL scouts watching him during his debut against the Sun Devils, highlighting how highly he is thought of as a prospect. Not only is it the mass amount of scouts which he is drawing the attention of, but already becoming a fan favourite, and is probably already on track to becoming a Hobey Baker favourite."
"Coming over from the WHL was never going to be easy, but that wasn't an obstacle for McKenna, s coring his first goal and getting a handful of assists during his first two games. But one thing that has instantly stood out about McKenna, is his swagger. We haven't really seen much of McKenna's personality on the ice during his time with the Medicine Hat Tigers, but one thing that is for sure is he's good, and he knows it."
Gavin McKenna joined Penn State in July and entered the 2026 NHL draft cycle as the highest anticipated prospect. He scored his first collegiate goal and recorded multiple assists in Penn State's season opener and first two games against the ASU Sun Devils. An estimated 57 NHL scouts attended his debut, signaling intense professional interest. McKenna arrived from the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) and immediately displayed notable on-ice swagger. He celebrated with a 'forks down' gesture after a double over the Sun Devils. Penn State's first two games streamed on the NHL Network, increasing media focus and expectations around McKenna.
Read at Puck Prose
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