17-year-old Canadian hockey phenom Gavin McKenna, likely the No. 1 NHL draft pick for 2026, has decided to play for Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. NCAA, rather than returning to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). This move, enabled by recent rule changes, has sparked debate about its implications for Canadian hockey's talent pool and development model, with some fearing a drain of home-grown talent while others celebrate McKenna's choice.
What a Yukon hockey star's draft to a U.S. college means for Canadian hockey
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️17-year-old Canadian hockey phenom Gavin McKenna, likely the No. 1 NHL draft pick for 2026, has decided to play for Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. NCAA, rather than returning to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). This move, enabled by recent rule changes, has sparked debate about its implications for Canadian hockey's talent pool and development model, with some fearing a drain of home-grown talent while others celebrate McKenna's choice.
Trending- 1 2017: Gary Jerome and family moved from Fort McPherson to Whitehorse for hockey.
- 2 End of May (before July 11): Keaton Verhoeff committed to University of North Dakota.
- 3 This week (before July 11): Gavin McKenna announced his decision to go to Penn State.
- 4 Fall (2025): McKenna headed to Penn State.
- 5 2025: Medicine Hat Tigers won WHL Championship.
- 6 2026: Gavin McKenna likely No. 1 NHL draft pick.
- Potential drain of Canadian hockey talent to the U.S.
- Calls for re-evaluation of Canadian junior hockey's development formula.
- Shift in hockey talent development in North America.
- Increased attractiveness of NCAA due to NIL rights.
What: Gavin McKenna, a 17-year-old Canadian hockey star, is moving to Pennsylvania State University (U.S. NCAA) instead of staying in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
When: This week (McKenna announced decision); Fall (when he's headed to Penn State); 2026 (likely NHL draft year); 2017 (Jerome family moved to Whitehorse).
Where: Whitehorse, Yukon (McKenna's origin); Medicine Hat, Alberta (Medicine Hat Tigers); Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State (U.S. colleges); Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories (Jerome family's previous home); Inuvik, Nunavut (Gruben family's previous home); North America.
Why: McKenna chose Penn State due to its 'young, new' program, state-of-the-art facility, and the NCAA's new name, image, and likeness (NIL) revenue sharing rights, which could include a rumored $1 million Cdn cheque.
How: A change in rules allows CHL players to switch to NCAA. McKenna made a personal decision after considering options, leading to concerns and discussions within the Canadian hockey community.