AD Pat Kraft praises addition of hockey superstar Gavin McKenna

It’s not every day that the athletic director of a Division I university comments publicly on their school’s latest commitment. But that’s exactly what Pat Kraft did Thursday, speaking out on the recent addition of Canadian superstar Gavin McKenna to the Penn State hockey program.

In a rather unprecedented move, the Nittany Lions included statements from Kraft and head coach Guy Gadowsky in a press release regarding McKenna’s commitment.

“We are so thrilled to have Gavin join our Hockey Valley family and become part of a special group of young men who represent everything great about Penn State,” said Kraft. “This team is built on character, work ethic, and pride in wearing the Blue and White, and Gavin is a perfect fit. He’s one of the most exciting young talents in the game and reflects the level of student-athletes we’re bringing to Penn State across all sports. His commitment is a testament to the national reputation Guy Gadowsky and his staff have built, and we know he’ll thrive in the culture of excellence that surrounds our program. We can’t wait to see him compete alongside this incredible group and help push our program to even greater heights.”

McKenna: Goal is for Penn State hockey to win a championship in 2026

March 28, 2025. Penn State hockey celebrates after a goal during the Nittany Lions’ 5-1 win over Maine in the NCAA Tournament. © Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2025.

McKenna announced his decision on Tuesday evening following a months-long recruiting battle between the Nittany Lions and Michigan State. A recent NCAA rule change now allows the 17-year-old Canadian Hockey League star to be eligible to play in college. Already the consensus top-pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna is among the most decorated Canadian hockey players in recent memory.

“Gavin is a special player and a terrific young man. Our staff could not have been more impressed with how he presented himself on his visit,” said Gadowsky. “His arrival to Hockey Valley is extremely significant not only to our hockey program, but to Penn State athletics and to college hockey as a whole. We are absolutely thrilled and excited to witness his contributions on the ice, to our locker room, and to the Penn State community. This is a great day to be a Nittany Lion!”

After the program’s first-ever Frozen Four appearance in April, Penn State hockey is primed to make more history next season. Already the favorite to win the national championship in 2026, the Nittany Lions roster is filled with elite talent that is loaded to bear.

Penn State Hockey is absolutely loaded this year 🤯 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/HmZarllHov

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) July 10, 2025

“You saw what Penn State did this year, making it to the Frozen Four,” McKenna said during his announcement. “They’ve come a long way as a program and next year the goal is to win a championship with them.”

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