Penn State becoming ‘epicenter of hockey universe’ with offseason recruiting success

Penn State hockey made program history by making its first-ever Frozen Four appearance this April. Now, Guy Gadowsky and the Nittany Lions are reaching new heights with a remarkable streak of success on the recruiting trail.

On Sunday, Canadian Hockey League defenseman and projected top-10 NHL Draft pick Jackson Smith announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions. Smith becomes just the latest highly-touted prospect to join the Penn State hockey program this offseason. Last week, Gadowsky added a commitment from Ontario Hockey League Rookie of the Year Pierce Mbuyi. In May, the Nittany Lions picked up a pledge from another five-star recruit, forward Luke Misa.

But the commitments only add to the talent that the Nittany Lions have been able to recruit from the transfer portal since the end of the season. Penn State made headlines by adding Gadowsky’s son, Hobey Baker finalist Mac Gadowsky, from Army in April. The Nittany Lions also brought in 2022 fifth-round NHL Draft pick Kevin Reidler to replace goaltender Arsenii Sergeev.

And there could be more to come. The Nittany Lions are also rumored to be the frontrunner for projected 2026 No. 1 Draft pick Gavin McKenna, as well as likely top 2025 Draft selections Michael Misa and Porter Martone. The recruiting success is generating buzz across the college hockey world and has been enough to have Hockey Valley relabeled as the “epicenter of the hockey universe.”

Penn State has added

-Jackson Smith (probable t10 pick)
-Luke Misa (drafted last year)

Has been HEAVILY LINKED to:

-Gavin McKenna (probable 2026 1st overall)
-Michael Misa (Probable top 2 pick this year)
-Porter Martone (probable top 10 pick this year)

Penn State Hockey 📈📈 https://t.co/VbgNV6zZ52

— Ryan (@RJNYY0) June 15, 2025

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