Gavin McKenna, Penn State's 17-year-old ice hockey star, already is drawing comparisons to Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby.

McKenna shocked the hockey world by opting to leave Canadian junior hockey for Penn State University's men's hockey program. He could have remained in the CHL for another dominant season. Instead, he'll be an 18-year-old freshman battling in the Big Ten against bigger, stronger and more experienced players.

Anytime the name Wayne Gretzky enters the conversation about a player, it grabs your attention. While Gavin McKenna has a ways to go before he enters the same class as The Great One, his commitment to Penn State hockey has already elevated his status on campus and the program’s identity around the world.