Quick Read
- Gavin McKenna broke Penn State’s single-game records for assists (7) and points (8) against Ohio State on February 20, 2026.
- His seven assists also set a new Big Ten conference record.
- McKenna is a freshman forward at Penn State and is projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- He is currently facing a misdemeanor assault charge from a January 31 incident, with a preliminary hearing set for March 11.
- McKenna has 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 27 games this season.
STATE COLLEGE (Azat TV) – Penn State Nittany Lions freshman forward Gavin McKenna dramatically rewrote the program’s record books on Friday night, February 20, 2026, by shattering single-game marks for assists and points in an emphatic 11-4 victory over rival Ohio State. The performance by the highly touted Canadian playmaker, who delivered one goal and an astounding seven assists for a total of eight points, not only secured a dominant win but also underscored his elite talent ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, where he is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick.
McKenna’s seven assists also established a new Big Ten conference record, further cementing his place in collegiate hockey history. His eight points eclipsed Penn State’s previous single-game record of five, which had been achieved by current teammates Charlie Cerrato and Connor McMenamin, and former assistant coach Andrew Sturtz. The assist record, previously four, had been met six times, most recently by teammate Aiden Fink just last month. Fink, who contributed a goal and four assists in the same game, would have tied the old record himself, but was overshadowed by McKenna’s historic outburst.
McKenna’s Record-Breaking Performance for Penn State
The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, made an immediate impact from the outset of the game. He assisted on Fink’s opening goal before scoring his own power-play tally in the first period, giving Penn State a 2-0 lead they never relinquished. McKenna celebrated his goal with a distinctive walk, reminiscent of MMA star Conor McGregor, flailing his arms as he skated towards the fans. He later explained that the celebration was planned to express his emotions, noting ‘a lot of stuff going on’ in his life off the ice, adding, ‘I was just having fun out there. Being out at the rink and being with the guys, that’s my happiness. So I just thought I’d show some personality.”
Penn State’s head coach, Guy Gadowsky, lauded McKenna’s exceptional abilities. “Gavin’s obviously a very, very special athlete. I love getting to know him as a person. He very much loves Penn State and cares about this team,” Gadowsky told PennLive. “When you have an opportunity to set a program record and have his name behind it, I was very glad to see that happen.” The Nittany Lions’ 11 goals in the game also tied a team record, a feat last achieved in 2018.
Gavin McKenna’s Journey to Collegiate Stardom
McKenna’s commitment to Penn State last summer, following a decorated career in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), sent ripples across the international hockey community. Prior to joining the Nittany Lions, McKenna dominated in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he amassed 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in just 56 games last season. His Friday night performance even surpassed his best WHL output, a three-goal, four-assist game in March 2025.
Despite a self-described ‘slow start’ to his collegiate career, McKenna has steadily improved throughout the 2025-26 season. His recent surge in form is evident in his post-mid-season break statistics, where he has recorded eight goals and 15 assists in 11 games. His season totals now stand at 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 27 games, as reported by Sportsnet.
Off-Ice Challenges and NHL Prospects
While McKenna continues to excel on the ice, he is currently facing a misdemeanor simple assault charge stemming from a January 31 incident in State College, Pennsylvania, where he allegedly punched a 21-year-old male. A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for March 11 in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Despite the ongoing legal matter, McKenna continues to participate in all Penn State athletic activities.
His exceptional talent and continued development make it highly probable that McKenna’s time in collegiate hockey will be brief, with an NHL team expected to sign him for the next season. His record-breaking night has undoubtedly cemented his legacy in Happy Valley, and with the Nittany Lions (19-9-1) continuing their march toward an NCAA Tournament berth, McKenna will have further opportunities to leave his mark.
Gavin McKenna’s recent record-setting performance at Penn State highlights a unique blend of prodigious talent and resilience, signaling his readiness for the professional ranks even as he navigates significant personal challenges.