For longtime Penn State sports collectors, moments that blend history, community, and passion don’t come along often. But for Matthew Wolosz, a well-known jersey collector among Nittany Lion fans, acquiring a game-worn hockey sweater from hockey prodigy Gavin McKenna, who is expected to go first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, represents exactly that kind of moment.
Matt has long been recognized for building an impressive collection of Penn State football jerseys – notably having every jersey from the iconic 2005 Penn State Football team.
Recently, however, he expanded his focus to include hockey, arguably starting with a piece that could one day become one of the most historic items tied to the program.
“This is my first game-worn hockey sweater,” Wolosz explained. “And what a way to start out, with a prodigy like Gavin McKenna.”
McKenna, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in hockey having being spotlighted on Canadian national television since he was 13 years old.
The Whitehorse, Yukon native has already generated significant buzz within the Penn State community, recently breaking Denis Smirnov’s freshman record for most points in season (47), and now has his sights on Aiden Fink’s program record of 53.
For Wolosz, the decision to pursue the sweater was about more than simply adding another collectible.
“I think it’s a combination of how much Penn State has invested in hockey over the past several years,” he said. “Obviously, the generosity of Terry Pegula helped build the program, but what really stands out is the community’s support. Seeing the number-one player commit to Penn State made me feel like this program is heading somewhere really special.”
The sweater itself carries additional historical weight.
McKenna wore it during a high-profile outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, which drew 74,575 fans on a frigid January 31 day – the second highest attended college hockey game ever behind the iconic “The Big Chill at The Big House” between Michigan and Michigan State in 2010 that drew 104,573, an event that marked an important milestone in the growth of Penn State hockey.
“To have a piece of history that he wore in Beaver Stadium during such an important game, and from a player who could end up being one of the best to ever play here, made it something I really wanted in my collection,” Wolosz said.
But the acquisition wasn’t just about personal enjoyment, that the sweater would not disappear into storage.
“My plan was always to put it on display and let other people enjoy it,” he explained. “Penn State is about the community with the people you tailgate with, the friends you go to games with. I didn’t want something like this sitting in a closet somewhere.”
Matthew Wolosz with the Gavin McKenna outdoor game jersey – Kyle Golik
When the sweater appeared at auction, Wolosz immediately knew he had to pursue it.
“I turned to my wife and said, ‘I’ve got to get it,’” he recalled with a laugh. “She kind of chuckled because she knows that when I say something like that, I’m serious.”
The decision was also influenced by how Penn State hockey had become a growing part of his family’s life.
“As we’ve gotten into hockey this year, we’ve started coming to games with our kids,” Wolosz said. “Now they’re in the living room playing hockey and saying, ‘I’m Gavin McKenna’ or ‘I’m Jackson Smith passing the puck.’ At that point it’s not just Penn State, it becomes part of your household.”
Despite the competitive bidding environment, Wolosz remained determined.
While he joked that he wasn’t willing to spend “millions” like some legendary sports memorabilia auctions, he admitted the sweater was extremely important to him.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“We’ve all spent money on worse things than hockey jerseys.”
The experience became even more memorable when Wolosz and his family had the chance to meet McKenna in person during Penn State’s game against Ohio State – the same night McKenna delivered an incredible eight-point performance.
“He walked out and I was holding the sweater up,” Wolosz said. “He chuckled when he saw it and came over.”
McKenna greeted the family warmly and even referenced the buzz surrounding the auction.
“He said, ‘Hey, I heard you paid a decent amount of money for that.”
Wolosz’s response was simple.
“I told him I was a big collector and that I really appreciated everything he’s done for Penn State.”
The brief exchange turned into a memorable moment. McKenna took photos with the family and even signed a puck for Matt’s son.
“It was super awesome, he was really gracious and appreciative of the support.”
Within Wolosz’s collection, already filled with historic Penn State memorabilia, the McKenna sweater holds a special place.
“My most sentimental item is Ki-Jana Carter’s game-worn jersey from the 1994 national championship season,” Wolosz said, he believes, like many, that 1994 team should have had a share of the national championship along with Tom Osborne’s Nebraska Cornhuskers.
“Then there’s Joe Paterno’s coaching jacket and Paul Posluszny’s jersey from 2005.”
Still, the McKenna sweater has already joined the elite tier of his collection.
“It definitely makes the Mount Rushmore – the top four items,” he said.
Beyond the memorabilia, Matt hopes the story encourages more fans to embrace Penn State hockey.
“If you’ve never been to a game, take your family,” he said. “The arena is wonderful, the level of play is great, and it’s affordable. It’s a short walk from the Creamery and it’s just an awesome experience.”
For Wolosz, the sweater represents more than a collector’s item. It symbolizes a growing program, a passionate fan base, and the shared experiences that make Penn State sports special.
And for now, that historic piece of Penn State hockey history is exactly where he wanted it – on display for the community to enjoy.
