NHL Network Plans Global Broadcast of Top Prospect Gavin McKenna's Penn State Hockey Debut

Gavin McKenna, the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft and a 17-year-old freshman at Penn State University, is set to make his collegiate debut in a nationally broadcast series against Arizona State, streamed live on NHL YouTube and aired on NHL Network. The NHL is heavily invested in promoting McKenna, presenting extensive pre- and postgame coverage and positioning Penn State as a potential future NHL talent pipeline. McKenna has quickly adapted to college life and hockey under coach Guy Gadowsky, who praises his work ethic, unique game sense, speed, and conditioning. His move from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to the NCAA marks a significant shift in hockey dynamics, as more CHL players are now eligible for college hockey, with McKenna leading this new era. Despite initial unfamiliarity with college hockey, McKenna embraces the pressure and is optimistic about Penn State's championship prospects, valuing the team's strong roster and camaraderie, including playing alongside NHL-drafted friend Jackson Smith. The upcoming season will be a pivotal moment to observe McKenna's impact and the evolving role of NCAA hockey in developing NHL stars.