Overview

• The 17-year-old forward, widely projected as the next NHL Draft’s No. 1 pick, is expected to make his first NCAA appearance Friday against No. 14 Arizona State.
• Head coach Guy Gadowsky praised McKenna’s uncommon feel for the game and said he has blended easily into the locker room.
• Penn State starts the season with its highest-ever USCHO preseason ranking at No. 5 and sits No. 2 in the Big Ten poll after last spring’s Frozen Four run.
• The roster upgrades include defenseman Jackson Smith, the No. 14 pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2025, alongside a core that returns the team’s top scorers.
• The program’s expanding footprint includes a Jan. 31 outdoor home game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State with a temporary rink.