Two of the most decorated ice hockey players in Nittany Lion history made more history by turning pro this summer, headlining big weekends for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Gavin McKenna was chosen No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Draft, and Tessa Janecke was chosen third overall by Las Vegas in the PWHL Draft.

McKenna (above, left), the first Nittany Lion to win the Big Ten scoring title and earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, became the fifth player from NCAA men’s college hockey to be drafted No. 1. The star forward earned AHCA/CCM All-America West second team honors, compiling 15 goals and 36 assists in 35 games. He finished the season third in the Big Ten and tied for fifth nationally with 51 points, while his program-record 36 assists were good for second nationally. The rookie also set the Penn State record by averaging 1.46 points per game, a mark good for tops in the Big Ten and second in the nation.

A pair of incoming freshmen were also drafted. Forward Egor Shilov was selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the 43rd overall pick in the second round, while goaltender Ryder Fetterolf went in the fourth round at No. 125 to the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Janecke ’26 H&HD (above, right), the program’s all-time leader in goals (89), assists (112), and points (201), as well as the first Penn Stater to win a Winter Olympic gold medal, became the highest-drafted player in program history. She was one of seven Lions picked in the draft, the most from any school.

Defender Leah Stecker ’26 Bus was selected 27th overall by the Boston Fleet, forward Maddy Christian ’26 Eng was selected 33rd overall by the Minnesota Frost, goaltender Katie DeSa ’26 Agr was selected 37th overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes, forward Katelyn Roberts ’26 Lib was selected 43rd overall by the New York Sirens, defenseman Kendall Butze ’26 Lib was selected 49th overall by PWHL Las Vegas, and forward Mya Vaslet ’25 Com was selected 66th overall by PWHL Hamilton.