The National Hockey League (NHL) has made an exciting broadcast arrangement with Arizona State University and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) to showcase top prospect Gavin McKenna’s first NCAA games for Penn State. Fans can look forward to McKenna’s debut, which will stream globally on the league’s YouTube channel and air on NHL Network in the United States.
Key Matchup: Penn State vs. Arizona State
Penn State, currently ranked No. 5, is set to open its season against No. 14 Arizona State. The highly anticipated matchup will take place at Mullett Arena in Tempe on Friday, October 3, starting at 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday, October 4, at 8 p.m. ET. This series presents an excellent opportunity for college hockey fans to witness the skills and talent of Gavin McKenna as he steps onto the ice in a competitive environment.
FOX 10 Phoenix will produce the game feed, ensuring that viewers have a high-quality experience. The commentary will feature Tyler Paley on play-by-play and Alex Coil as the analyst, providing insights and coverage throughout the games. Additionally, the NHL Network’s studio team will manage pregame, intermission, and postgame coverage. On Friday, this will be led by Tony Luftman and E.J. Hradek, while Erika Wachter and Kevin Weekes will take the reins on Saturday.
The series will also be available for streaming on the NCHC’s digital platform, allowing fans to catch all games played in NCHC venues throughout the 2025–26 season. This accessibility highlights the growing interest in college hockey and the importance of platforms that promote young talent.
Gavin McKenna, who is widely regarded as a leading NHL prospect, has an impressive background, having played three seasons from 2022 to 2025 in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers. His transition to NCAA hockey is eagerly anticipated, and his performance in these opening games will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike.
With such a thrilling matchup and the spotlight on McKenna, this weekend promises to deliver exciting hockey action and a glimpse of the future stars of the NHL. Don’t miss the chance to tune in and support your favorite teams as the college hockey season kicks off!