Big Announcement: McKenna Heads to Happy Valley
Gavin McKenna — the generational talent widely projected to go No. 1 in the 2026 NHL Draft — has officially committed to play NCAA hockey at Penn State for the 2025–26 season, opting out of the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He declared his decision during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, saying:
> “It was a super tough decision… we all decided that the best spot for me next year will be Penn State University.”
This move represents more than just a transfer; it signals a seismic shift in how top-tier Canadian prospects are approaching their path to the NHL.
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1. A Generational Talent with History
2024 CHL and WHL Player of the Year, McKenna scored an astonishing 41 goals and 88 assists (129 points) in 56 games last season — second in league scoring .
Set a whopping 54-game point streak spanning playoffs and Memorial Cup play — a modern CHL record .
His dominance continued internationally, capturing 20 points in 7 games at the 2024 U18 World Championships — a Canadian tournament record .
Notably, he’s one of the youngest to win CHL Player of the Year, an honor shared with legends like Sidney Crosby and John Tavares, as the third-youngest recipient .
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2. Why NCAA Over WHL?
A. NCAA’s New Frontier
In November 2024, NCAA rules changed to allow players from the CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) to play college hockey from August 1, 2025 onward . This reversal overturned long-standing NHL feeder pathways, opening major opportunities for prospects like McKenna.
B. The Collegiate Advantage
McKenna highlighted the appeal of NCAA hockey playing older, stronger competition — both on ice and in the locker room — preparing him better for pro life:
> “Going against older, heavier, stronger guys… in such a great conference… it’ll really challenge me and prepare me [for the NHL].”
Penn State, fresh from its first-ever Frozen Four run, offers elite facilities and coaching under Guy Gadowsky, a factor McKenna clearly weighed .
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3. A Record-Breaking NIL Deal
Penn State’s wooing of McKenna included a historic NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offer reportedly up to $700,000, the largest ever confirmed in college hockey .
He reportedly had a competing offer from Michigan State — yet Penn State’s deal prevailed .
NIL deals are reshaping the power dynamics in college sports, and McKenna’s commitment may become the blueprint for future top-level Canadian talent .
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4. Reactions from Hockey Culture
From the NHL
Sam O’Reilly of the Edmonton Oilers acknowledged the significance of McKenna’s shift, calling it controversial and pointing to CHL’s historical role in developing NHL-ready players — but also noting this move might influence future junior players .
From Fans & Reddit
Sports Redditors and fans are already buzzing:
> “Can you make money off NIL if you’re Canadian…?”
“The sad part is that even if he’s as good as everyone thinks he’ll be I don’t think McKenna will be enough to bring Buffalo far.”
Though opinions differ, most agree his move has long-term implications for hockey recruiting and development.
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5. Implications for Penn State & College Hockey
A. Penn State’s Meteoric Rise
McKenna joins a solid foundation: coach Guy Gadowsky has orchestrated a program that reached the Frozen Four in its second decade of NCAA play — a remarkable feat for a university that only launched its D‑I program in 2012 .
He’ll also play alongside fellow CHL alum Jackson Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets draftee). His presence dramatically elevates Penn State’s championship aspirations .
B. NCAA vs. CHL: A New Era
McKenna’s defection signals NCAA hockey is now a viable, maybe even preferred, route for elite talent.
Other rising prospects (e.g., Keaton Verhoeff, Luke Misa) are already opting for NCAA, reflecting a broader trend .
If a top-five NHL prospect locks into college, the CHL could face a recruitment crisis — prompting reevaluation across the junior leagues .
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6. What Comes Next: Watch & Expect
A. McKenna’s Impact
Expect McKenna to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten and national stage — his physical edge and elite playmaking should translate quickly.
Penn State’s goal is clear: Frozen Four return, this time with a chance to win.
B. NCAA’s New Pipeline
Programs like Denver, Michigan, and Michigan State will now aggressively pursue CHL talent.
NCAA recruiting could shift dramatically — supported by McKenna’s success and massive NIL packages.
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In Summary
Gavin McKenna’s commitment to Penn State is a watershed moment in modern hockey — not just for the 2026 NHL Draft, but for how the best young players view the path to the pros. His move carries these seismic changes:
1. NCAA now equals CHL as a route for elite prospects.
2. NIL deals shifted power to universities previously locked out of top-tier talent pools.
3. Penn State emerges as a national championship contender and recruiting powerhouse.
4. Canadian junior hockey must adapt or risk losing its top prospects.
McKenna himself framed it best:
> “I just think that going to college… it’ll really challenge me and prepare me [for the next step].”
But at its core, this is more than a personal decision — it’s a blueprint for the next generation of hockey stars.
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Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into NIL changes, how other prospects may follow in McKenna’s footsteps, or how NHL team development staff are responding!