Gavin McKenna's Latest Comments Could Be Great News for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo credit: NHL.com
Highly-touted prospect and projected number one overall pick at next year's draft, Gavin McKenna, revealed he loves Penn State, which is good news for the Penguins.
Penn State's inaugural Frozen Four visit a year ago was historic, but head coach Guy Gadowsky and his program weren't content.
This summer, they added Gavin McKenna, the most sought-after NCAA recruit in recent memory and probable No. 1 overall selection in next year's NHL Draft.
A rule adjustment permitted Penn State to pursue the best of the Canadian talent, and they made full use of it. Together with McKenna, they signed Jackson Smith, the program's first-ever first-round NHL Draft selection.
With both complementing a solid returning group, the Nittany Lions are considered serious national championship contenders.
McKenna, who had 41 goals and 88 assists with the Medicine Hat Tigers last year, quickly made a splash at Happy Valley.
Gavin McKenna Felt Connected to Penn State and was Very Impressed With Their Program
The current CHL Player of the Year said he was impressed by Penn State's campus, facilities, and culture after attending for the first time and had a gut feeling to join them.
"I didn't know if I was gonna go to college for a long time, but in January, I thought if I was ever gonna go to a college, it would be Penn State," he said at Pegula Ice Arena on Monday. "I don't know why, but I had that gut feeling. And obviously, as soon as I saw this place, I kind of knew I was coming."
He has already made an easy transition into the locker room, where ping pong and darts are integral to the team's off-ice camaraderie. For the fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins, McKenna's words are particularly heartening.
"Seeing what these guys did last year, making it to the Frozen Four, I think that was obviously a big influence on me," McKenna added. "I wanted to come to a winning team, and I thought this was the spot."
McKenna confessed that he came to love the state of Pennsylvania, and Penn State being near Pittsburgh, that affection lends further momentum to the likelihood of the Penguins drafting him.
On the ice, McKenna has been impressive with pro-level vision, skating, and conditioning.
He acknowledges the NCAA schedule is light compared to his 68-game WHL campaign, but he is looking forward to facing tougher, older competition and hopes to improve his strength during the time.
Penn State's season opens Friday at Arizona State, starting the most highly touted campaign in program history. For the Nittany Lions and the Penguins alike, McKenna's Pennsylvanian odyssey is just beginning, and the outlook is rosy.
TRENDING NOW
