Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State University, leaving Medicine Hat behind

McKenna joins a long list of top CHL stars to make the move down south.

The reigning CHL Player of the Year helped lead the Medicine Hat Tigers to their sixth Western Hockey League title in franchise history with 41 goals and 129 points in the regular season.

Along the way, McKenna set a modern-day CHL record with a staggering 54-game point streak.

McKenna will join fellow WHL player Jackson Smith — formerly of the Tri-City Americans — at Penn State.

Tigers supporter Dale Engel, who helped organize several fan trips, called McKenna’s departure “a bittersweet day for Tigers hockey.”

“We say goodbye to one of the most talented players to ever wear the black and orange,” Engel said.

“Even though he graced us with two years of highlight reel plays, doesn’t change the fact that he is playing his draft-eligible year in a different team’s jersey.”

The announcement comes just days after linemate and billet brother of McKenna, Ryder Ritchie, announced his commitment to Boston University via Instagram.

The move from McKenna shows a seismic shift in the junior hockey landscape and the future of the CHL.

Observers say is clear that there is an appetite among top junior hockey players to play at the NCAA level, and now the CHL finds itself as the bridesmaid for top junior hockey talent.

Wendy Nelson, another Tigers supporter, said she was sad to see McKenna leave Medicine Hat and questioned whether it was the best direction for his career.

“Is it best for for his development? I guess time will tell,” said Nelson.

“But (I) truly loved watching him and wish him all the best.”

by Will Bryant, Eli J. Ridder

Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State University, leaving Medicine Hat behind

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