Projected No. 1 NHL Draft pick Gavin McKenna is making the leap to college hockey with Penn State next season, lured by a six-figure NIL deal and dreams of post-Frozen Four glory.

In a transformative move for college hockey, Gavin McKenna—recently crowned Canadian Hockey League player of the year with a staggering 129 points last season—will join Penn State, marking the first time a standout from the WHL can take his talents to the NCAA, thanks to a new rule. With aspirations for Frozen Four success and a lucrative NIL deal reputed to be the largest for a college hockey player, McKenna’s decision not only elevates his career but also raises the stakes in NCAA hockey, prompting other CHL stars to consider skipping the junior leagues in favor of campus life—and possibly even a decent cafeteria.

McKenna's stats are nothing short of impressive. With 41 goals and 88 assists last season for the Medicine Hat Tigers, it's clear he isn't just a player who occasionally dabbles in scoring; he's a full-time artist with a penchant for finding the net. To put it mildly, he hasn’t just been good—he’s been the good. Notching 129 points is roughly equivalent to scoring a hat trick in every game… if every game were played with just one other team in a very unserious manner.

This decision comes on the heels of a new NCAA rule allowing players from the Canadian Hockey League to join college programs, an announcement that has sent shockwaves through both the college and junior hockey landscapes. One can only imagine the backroom deals and board meetings happening faster than a puck on a power play. McKenna's acceptance into Penn State signifies a turning point, suggesting that perhaps college hockey is where future generational talent should hang their skates.

Penn State, which recently made headlines by reaching the Frozen Four for the first time before bowing out to Boston University, saw McKenna's arrival as a golden opportunity. Head Coach Guy Gadowsky can't be blamed for tossing out the usual script of ‘team efforts’ when what you really have is a player who may redefine what a college season looks like. Gadowsky’s eyebrows probably raised a good few centimeters at the mention of McKenna's name; after all, signing a player of this caliber isn't exactly a daily occurrence.

But let’s talk about that NIL deal, reported by ESPN to be in six figures. It’s a number so high that traditional definitions of generosity would need to be redefined; the university may want to hire a financial advisor just for the occasion. One can only assume the terms include McKenna promoting everything from artisanal pizza to campus workout routines—though it wouldn’t hurt if he asked them to sponsor a new Zamboni while he’s at it.

In his first public comments, McKenna expressed genuine excitement about his new journey. 'I'm thrilled to be joining Penn State and am looking forward to developing my skills further,' he said. One can only picture him practicing shots while lamenting the loss of free food in the WHL. He also took a moment to thank his family, offering them credit for the upbringing required to reach such dizzying heights— possibly with a wink and a nudge indicating he plans to keep them from the kitchen until the end of finals.

Joining McKenna at Penn State is another WHL star, defenseman Jackson Smith. That’s right, fans of the future will find themselves clamoring for merchandise bearing two names rather than just one. Together, they could very well set the ice ablaze with a combination of speed, scoring, and defense that might push other colleges to reassess their recruitment strategies or at least brush up on their hockey jargon.

And while the world waits to see if McKenna’s leap to the NCAA puts him in a better position for the draft, one can only wonder if his next biography will boast a chapter entitled ‘From Medicine Hat to the Campus Cafeteria,’ revealing secrets of the journey from the WHL to cheese fries and midnight sandwiches at the college food truck. It's a crucial time in the history of hockey, and one can't help but feel a stirring excitement in the air—right alongside the smell of stale popcorn and sweaty jerseys from earlier games.

As McKenna prepares for the upcoming season, his transition signals a new age for college hockey, where the stakes are higher than a dangerous slap shot. With Penn State aiming for even greater glory and McKenna clutching the future like a coveted cup of hot chocolate on a winter's day, college hockey attendees can brace themselves for a wild ride full of exhilarating plays and perhaps a few surprises along the way. After all, who knows what will happen when a number one overall prospect trades in his junior jersey for one sporting a collegiate crest as he navigates the intricacies of locker rooms, late-night studies, and the occasional end-of-semester exam?

Only time will tell if this exhilarating gamble pays off for McKenna, but one thing is for sure: if college hockey wasn’t on your radar before, it likely is now. From the liveliness of the rink to the plush environment of campus life, it’s a whole new game—and Gavin McKenna is determined to be at the forefront of it. After switching from the Western Hockey League, he is set to make his college debut at Penn State next season, where he aims to develop his skills further.