Penn State has added seven new freshmen for the 2025-26 season, along with two transfers as well.

The newly opened CHL to NCAA pipeline has widened Penn State’s recruiting class for this season. All seven freshmen recruits for this season played in the CHL last year.

Here are some of the new guys to look out for this year.

Gavin McKenna, Freshman, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Starting strong. Forward Gavin McKenna announced his commitment to Penn State earlier this summer, after being the most widely sought-after Division One recruit this season. He is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and many scouts have compared him to NHL superstars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. He has been highly regarded as one of the most effortless goal scorers in the WHL of all time. In his last season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, McKenna put up 129 points in just 56 games. Following his last season, he was named the CHL Player of the Year, being just the third-youngest player to receive that recognition. He is projected to have a massive impact at Penn State this year, in what will likely be his only year with the team before he heads to the NHL next season.

Luke Misa, Freshman, F, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Forward Luke Misa will join the Nittany Lions after four seasons of major junior with the Brampton Steelheads. The Ontario native comes off two back-to-back 80-point seasons in the OHL. Misa was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames. He is a speedy forward with great skating ability and vision on the ice. Despite his smaller size, he still possesses the ability to win puck battles and play a physical game. His offensive talents will provide a massive benefit to Penn State this year.

Jackson Smith, Freshman, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

The 14th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jackson Smith, heads to Penn State as a highly touted offensive defenseman. He played his last two seasons with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL, where he ranked 10th in the league for points by defenseman. He represented Canada in the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships, along with fellow incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin. He was a stand-out player in the tournament, with four goals as a defenseman, and took home gold with Team Canada. His size, as well as his strong skating ability, puck-handling skills, and scoring ability, make him a strong candidate for a top defensive pairing role for Penn State this year. We could see him running the power play or slipping into a top pairing role for the Nittany Lions once he gets comfortable.

Lev Katzin, Freshman, F, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Katzin began his last season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers, then made the jump to the OHL in the fall with the Guelph Storm. He impressed in the OHL, with 14 goals and 28 assists in 74 games. He earned First Team All-Rookie in the OHL by the end of his first season. He also represented Canada in the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships, tallying 10 points in seven games, and helped Canada to a gold medal victory.  As a known offensive contributor at every level, he can be expected to make an automatic impact.

Shea Van Olm, Freshman, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Freshman Shea Van Olm comes off a long major junior career in the WHL, most recently playing with the Spokane Chiefs. He tallied 123 points in 86 games with the Chiefs last season, leading his team to the WHL Championship series. He earned WHL Second All-Star Team honors after his impressive year. Van Olm won a WHL championship with his former team, the Edmonton Oil Kings, in 2022. His leadership and ability to control the game in the offensive zone will bolster the Penn State offense.

Nolan Collins, Freshman, D, Flint Firebirds (OHL)

Collins comes to Penn State after playing his last three seasons in the OHL with both the Sudbury Wolves and the Flint Firebirds. His season was cut short last year due to injury, but he registered four goals and 13 assists in his 36 games with the Firebirds. Collins was drafted in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He also represented Canada at the international level in the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship. Coming off an injury, it might be a while before Collins adjusts to the NCAA. However, his physical play and vision on the ice make him a solid pick-up for Penn State, where he can play a stay-at-home defenseman role.

Josh Fleming, Freshman, G, Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)

Fleming comes to the Nittany Lions after finishing out his junior career in the QMJHL with Acadie-Bathurst Titan. During his tenure with Titan, he held a .898 save percentage, a 3.47 goals against average, and earned 55 wins in 133 starts. He is known to have a calm presence in the net and can steal games for his team. It’s unlikely the 21-year-old will earn the starting role against Kevin Reidler, but he will be a great tandem option for Coach Gadowsky.

Kevin Reidler, Sophomore, G, University of Nebraska-Omaha (Transfer)

Reidler transferred to Penn State after playing a year behind University of Nebraska-Omaha’s starter Simon Latkoczy. He earned five starts in eight games played for his former team, holding a .920 save percentage and a 2.74 goals against average. He picked up four wins in the process. Reidler was drafted in the fifth round by the Ottawa Senators in 2022. He utilizes his six-foot-six frame effectively to shut down dangerous scoring chances before they even happen. Considering his size, he moves incredibly well around the crease and leverages his skating ability and size to make key saves. The Swedish netminder is expected to earn the starting spot for Penn State this season.

Mac Gadowsky, Junior, D, Army West Point (Transfer)

Son of head coach Guy Gadowsky, Mac Gadowsky transferred into Penn State this summer from Army West Point. In his last season, he led all defensemen in the country in points and goals. Gadowsky received First-Team All-American honors and was named AHA Defenseman of the Year. He was also named a top ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season. His addition makes Penn State the only school with two Hobey Baker finalists, along with junior Aiden Fink. He will be a great option as an offensive defenseman at Penn State, where he can hopefully continue his success from his time at Army.

Penn State hits the ice this weekend with a doubleheader against Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. They will play at 10 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd, and 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th.

Both games will be broadcast on NHL Network and streamed live on the NHL’s YouTube Channel.