Top prospect Gavin McKenna has had no trouble fitting into his new digs at Penn State University, and has impressed his coach and teammates alike with his demeanor and tenacity. Head coach Guy Gadowski refers to him as a “cool kid” filled with the maturity and respect a small-town upbringing in Canada’s Yukon Territory delivers. That sentiment is echoed by his new teammates, as team captain Dane Dowiak calls him an “unbelievable kid” and a “normal guy” despite the hype surrounding him.
Having said that, Penn State will not actually begin its season until it takes on Arizona State University this weekend. As Gadowsky and McKenna himself both point out, once the season begins McKenna will be facing players much older, stronger and faster than he did during his time in juniors. As such, there will be, as Gadowski puts it, a “transition process.” However, with his elite skill and unique ability to actually dictate the place of play, all signs point to a successful season for McKenna and the Nittany Lions.
https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/gavin-mckenna-already-impressing-penn-state
https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/top-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-gavin-mckenna-looking-21074223.php
https://www.nhl.com/news/projected-top-pick-gavin-mckenna-quickly-wowing-penn-state-university