This is the fourth of a series of regular Hockeybuzz updates about No. 1 NHL prospect Gavin McKenna’s freshman season in the Big Ten:
Nov. 19, 2025
Total Offense: 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points in 14 games. Shots on Goal: 54
Game-Winning Goals: 1, his first college goal, Oct. 4, vs. Arizona State, was a GWG
Most Recent Games: McKenna had his worst game of the year, only 2 SOG and was a -4, Friday, Nov. 14; 4 SOG, 1 assist and a +1 in a 4-2 win, Saturday, Nov. 15.
Next Games: Penn State will play Big 10 games this weekend at Minnesota on Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (8 p.m.). Fridays game will be televised on FS1.
Just the Facts: Penn State (10-4) Ranks fourth on the team in points behind Charlie Cerrato (20, Carolina’s 2025 second round pick ), JJ Wiebusch (18) and Matt DiMarsico (16 points).
#1 overall in jeopardy?: So far this year, as a projected #1 overall pick for this upcoming NHL Draft, McKenna’s overall play has been underwhelming.But I believe McKenna holds onto the No. 1 spot, even if he hasn’t fully taken over the NCAA the way many expected. He’s still getting on the scoresheet almost every night and looks a little more comfortable with each game, but you’d like to see his intensity pick up. Keaton Verhoeff stays at No. 2 thanks to his mix of size and hockey sense, even though his offense has cooled off a bit. Ivar Stenberg sits at No. 3 and continues to make noise in the SHL, putting up rare U-19 numbers and showing the kind of skill that could push him even higher as the season goes on. For all three players, the World Juniors will be the biggest eye test for everyone in the hockey world as they will compete agaist their age group. Again, these three are playing against older competition, which is the reason their stats may not be eye popping.
Penn State Ranking: No. 5 in USCHO.COM Poll.
Postscript. McKenna (Whitehorse, Yukon) is tied in Freshman points with Maine’s Justin Poirier and LIU’s Dylan Kinch who all have 15 points
