Wiebusch and McKenna Earn National Award Recognition for October
JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna received national honors from the Hockey Commissioners Association for their outstanding performances in October, helping Penn State start the season strong.
JJ Wiebusch Named National Co-Player of the Month
Sophomore JJ Wiebusch from Verona, Wisconsin, was honored as the National Co-Player of the Month. He played a vital role in Penn State’s 9-1-0 start. Wiebusch leads the nation with 11 goals and ranks second nationally with 18 points, topping the Big Ten alongside teammate Cerrato.
He has also been named a Big Ten Star of the Week twice this season, including as this week's second star.
Gavin McKenna Takes National Rookie of the Month
Freshman Gavin McKenna from Whitehorse, Yukon, earned the National Rookie of the Month award. His contributions have been key to the Nittany Lions’ impressive early season.
Penn State’s Current Status and Historic Recognitions
- Penn State is ranked No. 3 in both national polls.
- The team is riding a seven-game winning streak heading into an important Big Ten series against No. 1 Michigan State.
- Wiebusch and McKenna are the third and fourth Nittany Lions ever to receive Hockey Commissioners Association awards.
- Previous recipients include Evan Barratt, named Co-Player of the Month in November 2018, and Aiden Fink, named Rookie of the Month in November 2023.
"Penn State is currently ranked No. 3 in both polls and riding a seven-game winning streak on its way to East Lansing for a crucial Big Ten series against No. 1 Michigan State this weekend."
"Wiebusch leads the nation with 11 goals while his 18 points are tied for second nationally and tops in the Big Ten with Cerrato."
Author's summary: JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna earned top national honors for October, highlighting Penn State’s dominant start and their key roles in the team’s success.