It took Penn State freshman and projected top 2026 NHL draft pick Gavin McKenna just two NCAA games to score his first collegiate goal.
McKenna scored Saturday night off a cross-ice feed from Mac Gadowsky during a third-period power play against Arizona State.
His milestone one-timer stood as the deciding goal of Penn State’s 4-2 win over ASU.
McKenna recorded the first points of his college career in his Penn State debut one day prior, taking home a pair of primary assists in the first period of Friday’s 6-3 win against Arizona State.
McKenna made college hockey history as the highest-rated recruit to come to the NCAA when committing to Penn State in July.
His early chemistry on the top line with Aiden Fink, as well as on the Nittany Lions’ first power play unit, is a good sign for a team looking to build on last season’s trip to the Frozen Four.
It’s also a positive sign for NHL scouts, including the 57 reportedly in attendance for McKenna’s Friday night colelge debut.
McKenna could further cement his status as the top prospect of the upcoming draft if he continues to show off his playmaking and scoring skills against older competition this season, which continues with next Thursday’s home opener against Clarkson.
