Freshman left wing Gavin McKenna (Whitehorse, Yukon) has been named the Big Ten Hockey Third Star of the Week after posting back-to-back multi-point performances in Penn State’s series sweep of Stonehill, the conference announced Tuesday.
McKenna’s recognition marks the fourth consecutive week a Nittany Lion has earned a spot among the Big Ten’s weekly Three Stars. He follows Charlie Cerrato (Oct. 7), JJ Wiebusch (Oct. 14), and Matt DiMarsico (Oct. 21), who were each named the league’s First Star of the Week during the opening three weeks of the season.
Against Stonehill, McKenna recorded his first two goals at Pegula Ice Arena. On Friday, he netted the game-tying goal in the third period and later tallied the primary assist on the game-winner with just 22.5 seconds remaining in a 3–2 victory over the Skyhawks.
The following night, McKenna struck again with a power-play goal from the right circle before setting up linemate Shea Van Olm’s first career goal to help seal the 4–2 win and complete the sweep.
Through the first eight games of his collegiate career, McKenna ranks tied for sixth in the Big Ten and 12th nationally with 10 points (3G, 7A).
No. 4 Penn State returns to action Thursday at Value City Arena in Columbus, opening Big Ten play against No. 17 Ohio State.
