No. 3 Penn State’s early-season surge continues to draw national attention as sophomore forward JJ Wiebusch and freshman forward Gavin McKenna have each been recognized by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) for their standout performances in October.
Wiebusch was named National Co-Forward of the Month, while McKenna earned National Rookie of the Month honors after helping the Nittany Lions to a 9-1-0 start and a seven-game winning streak entering this weekend’s Big Ten showdown at No. 1 Michigan State at the Munn Ice Arena.
They become just the third and fourth Penn State players ever to receive HCA monthly awards, joining Evan Barratt (Co-Player of the Month, Nov. 2018) and Aiden Fink (Rookie of the Month, Nov. 2023).
Wiebusch has been recognized as a Big Ten Star of the Week twice this eason, leads the nation with 11 goals and ranks second nationally with 18 points.
Currently, Wiebusch is tied for the national lead with six power-play goals and three game-winners, registering points in nine of ten games.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His six power-play goals already rank third all-time for a single Penn State season, two shy of Fink’s record of eight.
Wiebusch was also recently named to the U.S. Collegiate Select Team for the 2025 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland.
McKenna leads all Big Ten freshmen with 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists), tied for the national rookie scoring lead.
During his first month with the Nittany Lions, McKenna has posted points in eight of ten October games, including five multi-point efforts—three coming in his last four outings.
