Why Penn State hockey’s Gavin McKenna might only be getting started after historic night
Gavin McKenna strutted toward the crowd after his first period goal and wildly flailed his arms to his sides — mimicking a popular celebration from former mixed martial artist Conor McGregor. McKenna was going to do it in Ann Arbor during last week’s games but didn’t score so he didn’t have the chance.
Instead, he had to wait for Friday night in Pegula Ice Arena in his team’s 11-4 win over Ohio State — but cleared it with his parents first.
“I was just having fun out there. A lot of stuff going on in my life right now,” said McKenna, who tallied one goal and seven assists in a record-setting night. “... I called my parents last night and said if I score I’m doing it. And they had a good laugh. The opportunity came so I did it.”
McKenna is currently facing simple assault charges after allegedly punching a man who, according to a source with knowledge of McKenna’s perspective, was accused of accosting his mother. McKenna’s celebration — which drew a “no comment” from head coach Guy Gadowsky — appeared to allude to the incident since McGregor is known for combat sports.
And it’s undoubtedly a sign of the confidence he’s feeling as he tries to carry Penn State to the national title.
McKenna has continued to improve as he’s adjusted to college hockey, where he’s only expected to be for one season before heading off to the NHL as the likely No. 1 draft pick. Eight of his 12 goals this season have come since Jan. 16, and 13 of his 29 assists have come in that same time.
He’s taken a step forward, and at a time the team needs him most.
“Gavin obviously contributed in offensive ways. And he sure did,” Gadowsky said. “He came to play, and we knew we’d need some of our special players make special plays. And he sure did.”
The injuries have been aplenty, with captain Dane Dowiak being the most recent and most damaging after he announced he’d be out for the season.
And for a brief moment Friday it seemed as if there might be more after Carter Schade and Shea Van Olm both went down on the ice after a collision. Both returned to the game in short order, but the injuries have piled up to a point that even Gadowsky took notice of the moment.
“We’re leaking oil right now,” Gadowsky said. “We’re struggling to maintain health. ... That’s exactly what I was thinking. Very happy to see both of them get up.”
Even with their health, it’s clear this season is going to come down to the Nittany Lions’ stars — and none shine brighter than McKenna. He’s gone from having some suggest he might not be the No. 1 pick to dominating night in and night out for the Nittany Lions. And with his ongoing legal situation, it’s given him an outlet.
Because the ice has allowed him to find peace.
“Being out on the rink, being with the guys, that’s my happiness,” McKenna said. “... It’s a great group to be a part of. Very supportive, always there if I need (them). We’ve got great leadership. I got guys like Dane, [Aiden Fink], all those guys to lean on through this whole process. I’ve got the whole staff. All of Penn State, honestly, has been amazing to me. I’m so glad I came here. And a lot of that is thanks to these guys.”
Whatever he’s found, it’s giving Penn State its best chance at what it wanted — at what he envisioned when he committed to the Nittany Lions.
Last year’s Frozen Four run was a surprise, and it put the program on the map. It was one of the many boxes the Nittany Lions have checked since their inception as a Division I program in 2012.
But there’s still one more to go — one they were firmly in the mix for when the season began.
