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Penn State AD Pat Kraft, head coach Guy Gadowsky, weigh in on landing top prospect Gavin McKenna: 'Gavin is a perfect fit'

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel07/10/25GregPickel
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Gavin McKenna. (Photo courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

In what may be a first and is certainly a sign of the times in college athletics, Penn State officially announced the signing of prized hockey prospect Gavin McKenna with a statement from both head coach Guy Gadowsky and athletic director Pat Kraft. The Nittany Lions landed the projected 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 overall pick, who has been described as a ‘generational talent’ over Michigan State and others. ‘Others’ includes his Canadian junior team, Medicine Hat. It would have loved to welcome the CHL Player of the Year back for another season before he turns pro. But, a new rule this year allows CHL players to compete at the NCAA level for the first time. McKenna, and Penn State, will both take advantage of it during the 2025-2026 season.

“Gavin is a special player and a terrific young man,” Gadowsky said in a news release. “Our staff could not have been more impressed with how he presented himself on his visit. His arrival to Hockey Valley is extremely significant not only to our hockey program, but to Penn State athletics and to college hockey as a whole. We are absolutely thrilled and excited to witness his contributions on the ice, to our locker room, and to the Penn State community. This is a great day to be a Nittany Lion!”

More: What are they saying about Gavin McKenna’s commitment to Penn State?

Added Kraft:

“We are so thrilled to have Gavin join our Hockey Valley family and become part of a special group of young men who represent everything great about Penn State. This team is built on character, work ethic and pride in wearing the Blue & White. And, Gavin is a perfect fit. He’s one of the most exciting young talents in the game and reflects the level of student-athletes we’re bringing to Penn State across all sports.

“His commitment is a testament to the national reputation Guy Gadowsky and his staff have built. And we know he’ll thrive in the culture of excellence that surrounds our program. We can’t wait to see him compete alongside this incredible group and help push our program to even greater heights.”

Both statements amount to what is essentially a recruiting pitch amid the NIL era of college athletics. Penn State did what it had to do to land the top recruit in one of its sports. And, it’s shouting about it from the proverbial rooftops.

McKenna recorded a point in 54 games during the 2024-2025 season, which is a record. Total, he tallied 129 points (88 assists and 41 goal) this past winter. He is the third youngest player to ever win the CHL Player of the Year trophy.

“I think the main goal is obviously to win a championship,” McKenna told ESPN. “I think you kind of saw what Penn State did this year, making it to the Frozen Four. They’ve come a long way. And I think next year, when I go there, obviously, that’s the goal, is to win a championship.”


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