Penn State Men's Hockey Players Garner National Honors
Two Penn State Nittany Lions hockey players received notable recognition for their outstanding performance in October. Forwards Gavin McKenna and JJ Wiebusch were honored by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) with awards highlighting their achievements early in the season.
Hockey Commissioners Association Awards
- Gavin McKenna was named Rookie of the Month.
- JJ Wiebusch earned the title of Co-Forward of the Month, sharing the honor with Max Plante from Minnesota-Duluth.
"JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna garner national recognition for the month of October with HCA laurels following Penn State's 9-1-0 start!! 🏆🏒"
Gavin McKenna's Rookie Impact
McKenna ranks eighth nationally in points with 13 and leads all Big Ten rookies while tying for first among freshmen nationwide. His impressive 10 assists place him fourth in the country and first among freshmen. Currently, he is on a four-game point streak, confirming his strong contribution to the team's success.
JJ Wiebusch's Scoring Excellence
Wiebusch is second in the nation in scoring with 18 points. His six power-play goals are tied for third all-time in Penn State program history and are just two shy of matching teammate Aiden Fink's record. Recently, Wiebusch was also named to the U.S. Collegiate Selects Team ahead of the 2025 Spengler Cup.
"Wiebusch's six power-play goals have tied him for third all-time in program history, not even halfway through the season."
The team's stellar start, with a 9-1-0 record, has helped spotlight these players' national recognition.
Summary
Gavin McKenna and JJ Wiebusch have proven themselves as key players for Penn State men's hockey, earning prestigious national honors early in the 2025 season.
Author's summary: Gavin McKenna and JJ Wiebusch have earned national recognition for their outstanding October performances, showcasing their vital roles in Penn State hockey's strong season start.