Even though Gavin McKenna is not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2026, he is already one of the most hyped-up young players today. He is currently playing in the NCAA with Penn State, and this past weekend he made his debut — celebrating by taunting the opposing fans.
Born in 2007, McKenna has been one of the most talked-about young talents for several years. He is expected to be drafted first overall next summer and is already being described as a generational talent.
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Gavin McKenna NCAA debut
This past weekend, McKenna played his first NCAA games with Penn State. The team faced Arizona State in back-to-back away games. In the first game, McKenna recorded two assists, and in the second game on Saturday, he scored his first goal — a one-timer on the power play. But it’s not the goal that will be best remembered; it’s his celebration afterward.
Taunted opposing fans
Understandably, McKenna is the most hyped player in the NCAA this season, and opposing fans will do their best to get under his skin. During both games, he was booed every time he touched the puck. After scoring, he responded by mocking the Arizona fans.
Skating past the Arizona crowd, McKenna made the “forks down” gesture — the opposite of Arizona State’s “forks up” sign.
“They’ve been giving it to me all weekend, obviously. I’m expecting that for most of the year. Yeah, so I thought I’d give it back to them. It’s nothing new, honestly,” McKenna told NHL.com after the game.
You can watch the celebration below.
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