You can’t mention Penn State hockey without talking about Gavin McKenna. The 17-year old forward from Whitehorse, Canada, is truly a generational talent. Even before he took the ice for the season opener against Arizona State, McKenna established himself as the face of the program.

Before arriving in Happy Valley, McKenna spent the previous three years playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. Last season, he had a record-shattering 129-point campaign. McKenna recorded 41 goals and 88 assists in just 56 games. 

In July, McKenna committed to Penn State after the NCAA approved a change in eligibility requirements that would allow Canadian Hockey League players to compete at the collegiate level. After he announced that he would continue his career under the leadership of Guy Gadowsky, expectations were off the charts for the young winger.

But despite the publicity and anticipation surrounding McKenna, he has been able to remain calm and make the most of both his on-ice performance and college experience as a whole. 

“He’s fitting in extremely well, because he’s just a really chill, easy hang,” Gadowsky said. “He’s very respectful. He’s got great manner, very polite. He’s really easy to hang out with. He does think the game differently. It’s a different animal when it comes to that.”

Perhaps his demeanor is a result of the people he surrounds himself with, a team with immense chemistry and talent, or maybe it’s the school itself. According to McKenna, Penn State was always his dream destination.

“I thought if I was ever going to go to a college, it would be Penn State,” McKenna said. “I don’t know why, but I had that gut feeling. As soon as I saw this place, I kind of knew I was coming.”

Transitioning to life in State College has been an adjustment, as is the case for most college freshmen. Despite carrying phenom status as a hockey player, he attends class and enjoys hanging out with friends just like any Penn Stater. “It’s a little different, not having a billet mom or family, but it’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

That fun translated to in-game production in the team’s opening series in Tempe this past weekend. McKenna got off to a fiery start, recording two first-period assists on opening night. One of these assists included a feed to McKenna’s linemate and Hobey Baker Award finalist Aiden Fink. 

On night two, McKenna stole the show. With just under two minutes remaining, he ripped a one-timer over the glove of Arizona State goalie Connor Halsey on the power play to secure the game-winning goal for the Nittany Lions.

FORKS DOWN!!#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/T4SiHDHh0t

— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) October 5, 2025

After the score, McKenna showed some moxie, flashing the Arizona State student section with a “forks down” symbol. This came after he was booed for the duration of the game, receiving taunts nearly every time he touched the puck. 

“The crowd was on him from minute one,” Gadowsky said. “I think he handled himself extremely well. And I think the forks down was a gesture like, ‘Yeah, you didn’t get to me.’”

Though McKenna has a steady disposition and is relatively even-keeled, his performance in the desert shows how he is embracing the villain role this season. With trips to Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Minnesota in the near future, he will be exposed to raucous atmospheres week in and week out. But McKenna doesn’t shy away from the spotlight; he lives in it.

“There’s gonna be a lot of excitement in all those barns that we go to, and here in State College, there’s a lot of hype around our team,” McKenna said. “It should be fun to play the first one at home. And obviously, Arizona State is a pretty cool spot to play your first game. I’m pumped for this year.”

While McKenna didn’t watch much college hockey as a kid growing up in the Yukon territory, he is quickly proving himself to be a potential NCAA star. Though there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the adjustments between leagues, McKenna will aim to continue to do what he does best: control the pace of play and be the elite offensive playmaker the team needs.

Penn State will play in its home opener on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against Clarkson, where the Nittany Lion faithful will get their first opportunity to watch McKenna in person. The Roar Zone is sure to be rocking, and McKenna will look to shine in front of what is sure to be a rowdy Pegula crowd. Folks not going to the game can follow along on BTN+.