In what was likely the most highly anticipated debut in college hockey history, winger & presumptive 1st overall 2026 pick Gavin McKenna wasted no time in contributing to the success of 4th-ranked Penn State University. In a two-game series versus #15 Arizona State University this past weekend, McKenna registered three points (1G 2A) in a pair of victories by the Nittany Lions in Tempe. Both games were broadcast on The NHL Network.
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University also received immediate dividends from their new recruits. For the Wolverines, goaltender Jack Ivankovic (NSH 2025 draft, 2nd round 58th overall) garnered two victories this weekend against Mercyhurst University, including a shutout on Saturday night. He stopped 26 of the 27 shots he faced. Also, fellow 2025 second round draft pick Malcolm Spence (43rd overall by NYR) totaled 5 points (2G 3A) in the two-game set.
Philadelphia prospect Porter Martone (drafted sixth overall in 2025), formerly Ivankovic’s teammate at OHL Brampton, tallied one goal this past weekend in a 4-0 exhibition victory over the University of Windsor. The Spartans begin their regular season this weekend in a two-game home series versus the University of New Hampshire.