Penn State men's hockey head coach Guy Gadowsky was available for his first press conference following 17-year-old Gavin McKenna's commitment on Tuesday, July 15. The young forward is leaving the Canadian Hockey League to begin his NCAA journey in Happy Valley. McKenna's expected to move in officially in August, and the staff is already excited for what he'll contribute to the program..
For Gadowsky, his approach with McKenna is a little different than other players that come through his program. He noted the creativity and mindset the forward has on the ice resembles those of former Edmonton Oiler Wayne Gretzy.
"I think one of the things that makes [McKenna] so special is that he is so creative. His mind is just very different. And there's no way that I or anybody else on our staff thinks like Gavin does. He is a very, very special athlete who thinks very differently," Gadowsky said, according to NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman. ". . . By no means am I ever going to talk to him about how his mind creates. That's him, and it's going to be really fun to watch."
McKenna will need time to adjust to the college lifestyle, but once he does Gadowsky believes this is the spot for his creativity to foster.
"College is different, so there's a transition . . . there's not only a transition to college hockey, there's a transition to college, there's a transition, albeit a very exciting, fun one, to State College," Gadowksy said. ". . . I think that we have really good players on this team, really good people, and I think they're looking forward to helping him navigate and enjoy all of those things."
He, Jackson Smith, and Luke Misa will make the transition together. Smith was the No. 14 overall selection of the 2025 NHL Draft. However, McKenna is the most notable player coming from the CHL to the NCAA.
With the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, McKenna had 129 points on 41 goals and 88 assists, the second most in the WHL. In the playoffs, he had 38 points on nine goals and 29 assists, paving the way for a league title.
He's expected to have a generational career. NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr said that the McKenna's a special kind of talent that's very far and few between. On the skill side, he has the IQ, skating, and mentality. He's a five-tool player who's ready to make an impact in the NHL as an 18-year-old rookie.
"Obviously, this is a huge thing for Penn State and Penn State hockey, and a huge thing for college hockey as well," Gadowsky said. ". . . [McKenna's commitment] felt very, very good, and I'm pumped for the Penn Staters that get to watch this guy."