McKenna, who turns 18 in December, is regarded as a generational talent and has for the past two years been projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft.

Penn State men's hockey coach Guy Gadowsky and Athletic Director Pat Kraft discuss the importance of Gavin McKenna's commitment to the Nittany Lions.

Penn State fans across the country celebrated this week as the NHL’s draft prospect Gavin McKenna committed to the Nittany Lions, ushering in a new era in Hockeyvalley. Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky on Thursday called McKenna a “special player and a terrific young man.