Penn State Men’s Hockey Players Receive National Honors
This season marks the first time since 2023 that Penn State players have earned Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) awards. Forwards JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna have been vital in Penn State’s impressive 9-1-0 start.
Awards and Achievements
- JJ Wiebusch was named National Co-Forward of the Month for October, sharing the honor with Minnesota Duluth’s Max Plante.
- He leads the NCAA with 11 goals and is tied for second in points with 18.
- Wiebusch also earned two Big Ten Star of the Week awards.
- In addition, he was selected for the U.S. Collegiate Selects Team for the 2025 Spangler Cup.
- Gavin McKenna earned National Rookie of the Month honors, leading all freshmen in the conference with 13 points, including 3 goals and 10 assists.
- His assist total for October ranked first nationwide among freshmen.
- McKenna notably scored the game-winning goal that secured the season-opening series sweep against Arizona State.
Historical Significance
Wiebusch and McKenna are the third and fourth players in Penn State’s history to receive HCA honors, following Aiden Fink, who was named Rookie of the Month in 2023.
Upcoming Game
The two forwards will compete this weekend in East Lansing, Michigan, facing the No. 1 ranked team on Friday, November 7, with coverage on Big Ten Plus.
Jamie, a third-year statistics student from Chappaqua, NY, provides coverage.
Author’s summary: Penn State forwards JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna earn prestigious national hockey awards, highlighting their standout contributions to an impressive 9-1-0 season start.