Penn State University freshman Gavin McKenna tallied 8 points (1G 7A) in Friday’s 11-4 Nittany Lions’s win over Ohio State University. He had 6 points in the first two periods, breaking the previous team record of five points in a single game. Also, his 8-point total represented the most points in one Division 1 NCAA game since Bob Joyce of North Dakota had 9 points in 1987.
McKenna’s points total now sits at 41 (12G 27A) in 27 games. Also, he has answered all early-season concerns regarding his slow start, as he has totaled 23 points (8G 15A) in 11 games upon returning to Beaver Falls, PA. after the World Junior Championship.
McKenna even outdid himself with Friday’s scoring outburst. Last season, he recorded a whopping 129 points (56G 88A) in 56 games with Medicine Hat in the WHL. During that campaign, the most points he recorded in one game was “only” 7 (3G 4A) against Red Deer on March 25, 2025.
The young man still does face misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an incident occurring earlier this year, although he shows no signs of letting that slow him down. Likewise, it has done nothing to hinder the Nittany Lions’ efforts this season. PSU continues to occupy the #6 ranking in the country, and is in line for an NCAA tournament berth.