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3h ago

Gavin McKenna Commits to Penn State in Landmark NCAA Move

The projected 2026 No. 1 NHL draft pick is set to join the Nittany Lions for 2025-26 after securing a six-figure NIL deal under new eligibility rules

Gavin McKenna had 41 goals and 129 points while leading the Medicine Hat Tigers to the WHL championship last season.
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NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna lifts the Ed Chynoweth Cup after the Tigers beat the Spokane Chiefs 4-3 on May 16 to capture the franchise's sixth title.
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Overview

  • McKenna announced on ESPN his decision to leave the Medicine Hat Tigers and play NCAA hockey at Penn State next season.
  • The 17-year-old winger’s recruitment included an “extremely generous six-figure” name, image and likeness agreement, believed to be the largest in college hockey.
  • This fall will be the first NCAA season open to CHL players after the Division I Council approved eligibility changes last November.
  • McKenna finished with 129 points in 56 WHL games, earned WHL and CHL player of the year honors, and set a 54-game point streak.
  • His commitment underscores a growing trend of top CHL prospects—such as Cayden Lindstrom and Jackson Smith—opting for the NCAA pathway.