April 10, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, United States; Pen State Nitney Lions celebrated Nicholas Dagraves (17) with team colleagues after scoring a goal against Boston University Terriers during the third period of the four college ice hockey national semi -finals at the Enterprise Center. Compulsory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Emagan Picture Gavin McCena only accelerated the development and relevance of ice hockey of NCAA men.
Fabricated to play collegium in Pen State in 17 -year -old Fenome and unanimous number 1 pick 2026 NHL draft, he announced on ESPN on Tuesday.
“It was a super tough decision,” McKane said. “Obviously there are many great options, but I and my family and everyone who are part of my circle, we all decided that next year the best place for me will be Pen State University. I think Pen State is a great place for me.”
McCaina, a native of Whitehors, Yukon, is a member of the First Nation, Treedch What Nation of Han Peepal. He was the first Yucon -born player to be selected in the Western Hockey League, when Medicine Hat Tigers taunted him in 2022 Banom Drafts.
At the age of 16, he recorded 34 goals and 97 points for Medicine Hat, then collected 129 points (41 goals, 88 aids) in 56 competitions this last season. He earned the 2024 Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year honor-NHL superstar Sydney Crossbie and John Thawres, became the thirdest drama to win the award and led the Medicine Hat for their first WHL title since 2007.
McCaina chose Pen State on the Michigan state after going to both the premises last weekend.
The growth of college game has been further extended by the rules of November 2024, which allows CHL players to compete in NCAA for the first time. Jackson Smith, a native of Alberta, 18, the first round draft pick of 2025 of Columbus Blue Jacket, is also committed to the pen state for 2025–26 academic year.
Pen State arrived in four frozen for the first time in the history of its previous spring program.
“I think it honestly makes jump easier, going against the old, heavy strong people (in NCAA). It really prepares you,” McKaina said. “Even in the locker room, hanging around the older people and being around more mature people, I think it will help me a lot. … Being in college and being in such a great conference, it will really challenge and prepare me.”
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