2026 NHL Draft Preview: Guy Gadowsky on Gavin McKenna's development at Penn State

2026 NHL Draft Preview: Guy Gadowsky on Gavin McKenna's development at Penn State

Author: USCHO June 24, 2026 Duration: 13:27
Gavin McKenna is one of the most talked-about players in the 2026 NHL Draft, and after a season at Penn State, his college hockey experience adds important context to his evaluation.

Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky joins Jim Connelly and USCHO’s 2026 NHL Draft Special to discuss what stood out about McKenna from the start, how his game developed over the season, what college hockey demanded from him, and what fans should understand beyond the highlights, rankings and draft attention.

Topics include:
• What made Gavin McKenna special from the start
• How his game developed at Penn State
• What college hockey revealed about his NHL projection
• Playing against older, stronger NCAA competition
• How elite players adjust when opponents key on them
• What fans may miss when judging top draft prospects
• Penn State’s role in McKenna’s development path


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Every Monday, when the college hockey season is in full swing, the USCHO Weekend Review arrives to catch you up on everything you might have missed. This isn't just a dry recap of scores; it's a conversation about the stories unfolding on the ice across all divisions. You'll hear analysis of those pivotal weekend series that shifted conference standings, discussions on how the playoff picture is coming into focus, and recognition of the individual players who truly stood out. The podcast also ties in the broader news from the preceding week, providing context to the on-ice action. It's designed for fans who live for the details and the drama of collegiate hockey, offering a concise yet thorough audio briefing to start your week. Produced by USCHO, this is the essential companion for anyone following the fast-paced world of college hockey, delivering informed perspective straight from the heart of the sport. Tune in each week for the insights that go beyond the box score.
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