Penn State loses to UMD, ending McKenna's NCAA season

Minnesota-Duluth beat Penn State 3-1 in the Albany regional semifinal of the NCAA men's hockey tournament Friday.

The loss ends Gavin McKenna's freshman campaign.

McKenna, who is the potential first overall pick in June's NHL draft, finished with 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games. He's tied for third in NCAA scoring, and paced Penn State in points. McKenna is a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker as the top player in men's collegiate hockey.

The Whitehorse, Yukon native made the move from the WHL to Penn State last summer. The 2025-26 campaign was the first that allowed players who had played in the CHL to compete in the NCAA.

UMD freshman Hunter Anderson netted the game-winning goal with 5:13 left after a McKenna pass was broken up.

Minnesota-Duluth advances to face Michigan, the No. 1 team in the nation, for a spot in the Frozen Four on Sunday.

Penn State lost in the Frozen Four semis last year against Boston University. It was the first Frozen Four appearance in program history.

McKenna had a felony assault charge dropped in February, but he still faces other offenses. His formal arraignment is scheduled for April 8, according to The Daily Collegian.