US EditionReport: Gavin McKenna, the Projected No. 1 Pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Commits to Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA, JUL 7 – Projected 2026 NHL top prospect Gavin McKenna will join Penn State, marking a major recruiting win following the program's first-ever Frozen Four appearance, sources say.
- In early July, Gavin McKenna is expected to commit to Penn State for the 2025-26 season, solidifying his status as the consensus top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to reports.
- Amid his projected No. 1 status, NCAA's rule change allowed Canadian juniors like McKenna into Division I, fueling Penn State's Frozen Four success and recruitment battle with Michigan State.
- Supporting his elite status, McKenna scored 129 points in 56 WHL games and won the David Branch Award, previously earned by Crosby and Lemieux.
- Following his commitment, Penn State's roster is significantly strengthened by the addition of the top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna, joining other star recruits and boosting season prospects.
- More broadly, Gavin McKenna's commitment marks a seismic shift for Penn State men’s ice hockey and the NCAA landscape, arguably the biggest recruiting gain in college hockey history.
47 Articles
47 Articles
The Hamilton Spectator
The Toronto StarTop 2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna says he’s committing to Penn State
Gavin McKenna said he is committing to Penn State, leaving the Canadian Hockey League for the U.S. college ranks in a long-anticipated decision by one of the sport's most anticipated prospects since Connor McDavid.
Hastings Tribune
Top 2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna says he's committing to Penn State
Gavin McKenna said he is committing to Penn State, leaving the Canadian Hockey League for the U.S. college ranks in a long-anticipated decision by one of the sport's most anticipated prospects since Connor McDavid.
Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Announces College Decision
We just wrapped up the 2025 NHL Draft late last month, but all eyes are already on the 2026 Draft, and that's largely because of Gavin McKenna, the player widely considered to be the clear-cut No.1 in next year's class.The 17-year-old spent last season with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers — his third with the team — and dropped an unreal 129 points (41G, 88A) in 56 games. He also played for Team Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship.However…
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