The tides continue to shift in favor of Penn State.

The Nittany Lions have landed a monumental commitment from Gavin McKenna on Monday, per Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects.

McKenna, the consensus top pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft, will likely join the team in the 2025-26 season.

BREAKING: Multiple sources indicate that Gavin McKenna will commit to Penn State University for 2025-26One of the most electrifying prospects chooses the Nittany Lions. A game-changing get for PSU hockey. Read more: https://t.co/5L6NFs8rqq pic.twitter.com/8KodDOh5nW

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) July 7, 2025

McKenna, 17, is regarded as a generational NHL prospect and was the most sought-after recruit in college hockey. NHL Central scout John Williams went as far as mentioning the forward as a “five-tool player.”

“We don’t use the term five-tool player in hockey as much as you hear it used in other sports, but McKenna’s one of those guys. He’s got it,” Williams said.

McKenna is fresh off a WHL championship, defeating incoming Nittany Lion Shea Van Olm’s Spokane Chiefs in five games.

The left winger reportedly narrowed down his destinations to Penn State and Michigan State in mid-June, but has ultimately landed in Hockey Valley for the foreseeable future.

MORE HOCKEY COVERAGE

When Kentucky pulled off a flip of wide receiver Denairius Gray, a few eyeballs were raised. Gray was previously committed to the Auburn Tigers and had been since New Year’s Day 2024. Well over a year, Gray decided he wanted to play for Mark Stoops moving forward.

This has led to jokes surrounding Hugh Freeze, particularly on the uptick in golf rounds the third-year head coach appears to be playing. Steve Spurrier caught wind of Kentucky fans making jabs at Auburn and decided to knock them back down a level or two.

“Kentucky fans are pointing out that their coach doesn’t play golf,” Pat Dooley pointed out via Another Dooley Noted Podcast.

“Kentucky?” Spurrier interjected. “They don’t have a lot of wins to brag about right now.”

Last season was not too kind to Kentucky, finishing 2024 with a 4-8 record. Three of those wins were against nonconference opponents too, none of which were in a power conference. If there was anything for Kentucky to hang their hat on, it was taking down Ole Miss in Oxford and effectively keeping Lane Kiffin‘s bunch out of the College Football Playoff.

However, the previous three seasons all saw the Wildcats finish above .500. The 2021 campaign was a high for a program as Stoops was able to guide them to just the fourth-ever 10-win season. Records of 7-6 were accomplished in both 2022 and 2023, losing bowl games after seven wins during the regular season.

Not that Spurrier needs a reason to take a shot at somebody but he has a lot of room to talk when it comes to Kentucky. Spurrier never lost to the Wildcats while the head coach at Florida. And while UK did get three wins over him during his South Carolina tenure, Spurrier himself gained eight more victories.

Everyone in Lexington will be hoping some wins begin to stack up so Spurrier eats his words. Unfortunately, one of the hardest schedules in college football is on deck. Stoops will have as difficult of a job as ever.

Recruiting wins in the summer are nice, though. Especially when the prospect was previously committed to another SEC school like Auburn.

Kentucky will need to get Gray over the finish line as National Signing Day is just under six months away. If they can, a nice wide receiver will join the program and maybe add to the win total Spurrier likes to poke at.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Athletics announced on Monday (July 7) a multi-million dollar gift from longtime University of Michigan philanthropist and College of Engineering alumnus Donald C. Graham (B.S., 1955, M.S., 1956, D.Eng.Hon. 2009). In recognition of this donation, the Michigan Athletics Career Center will be named the Graham Family Athletic Career Center. Additionally, the director of the career center will be named the Graham Family Director.

Approximately 80 percent of the gift will be used to establish the endowed Graham Family Athletic Career Center Program Fund in support of career preparation, personal development and citizenship for student-athletes and alumni. In coordination with the U-M Alumni Association, an alumni employment assistance program will also be instituted. The endowment ensures support of these critical opportunities for years to come. The balance of Mr. Graham’s gift will be used to establish an expendable fund to be used as a companion fund for the same purposes as the endowment, but are accessible immediately.

“Don Graham’s impact can be felt and seen throughout our university,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “His generosity truly shows his commitment to the values and goals of our institution, and athletics is proud and grateful to have him as part of our family. We certainly could not accomplish much of what we do without his partnership. This incredible gift will open doors for current and former student-athletes, supercharging their career opportunities by forging strong, lifelong connections with Michigan alumni around the world, ensuring a legacy of success and support for generations to come.”

Graham’s prior philanthropy within Michigan Athletics has been recognized with the naming of two coaching positions: the Graham Family Head Ice Hockey Coach and Donald C. Graham Football Offensive Line Coach. He and his wife have also endowed the Donald C. & Ingrid A. Graham Football Scholarship and Donald C. & Ingrid A. Graham Hockey Scholarship.

“This latest gift to the Graham Career Center will provide funding for several expanded services, including launching a new lifelong employment support program for all alumni student-athletes, male or female, through their entire working careers,” said Graham, a two-time graduate of U-M’s College of Engineering. “We will be working closely with the alumni association and local chapters to bring this initiative to life. It’s imperative to prepare for life after athletics and this will help set them up for success.”

“This gift is a meaningful investment in the future of our student-athletes and the mission of the career center,” said Maurice Washington, Graham Family Director of the Graham Family Athletic Career Center. “It will allow us to continue providing comprehensive and transformative experiences that enhance both the personal and professional development of our student-athletes. Because of the Grahams’ generosity, we can create more opportunities for global engagement and build relationships that support a lifetime of success. Thank you for believing in our vision and for playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders.”

The Graham family has long supported the University in numerous ways. He and his wife, Ingrid, are members of Team One as major contributors to athletics’ Victors for Michigan capital campaign. U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute honors their support of interdisciplinary sustainability research, education and engagement efforts. The prestigious Donald C. Graham Professorship of Engineering is awarded to faculty who demonstrate excellence in research, leadership and service to the scientific community; in addition, the Grahams have generously supported the Nanotechnology Labs in the College of Engineering. Among others, the School for Environment and Sustainability, the botanical gardens and arboretum and U-M Medical School have also been beneficiaries of his generosity. Don has also served over 20 years on both the College of Engineering National Advisory Committee and the President’s Advisory Board.

LOWELL, Mass.- UMass Lowell Field Hockey Head Coach Shannon LeBlanc has announced the addition of 10 newcomers to the roster for her program’s upcoming 50th season.
 
The River Hawks will welcome Holly Beckinsale (Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland), Alexa Guarneri (Hockessin, Del.), Helena Herlocher (State College, Pa.), Megan Macmiller (Tarzana, Calif.), Veerle Mous (Breda, Netherlands), Rena Pistilli (Lambaré, Paraguay), Jaedyn Scarlatos (South Setauket, N.Y.), Brynn Somers (Berlin, N.J.), Haley Wernig (Franklin, Mass.) and Abby Wortmann (Nazareth, Pa.)  in 2025.
 
“We are excited about the strength of this class,” said LeBlanc. “They each bring a unique, high-level skill set and all of them are committed to our program’s core values. They are accomplished both on the field and in the classroom, and have some fantastic leadership qualities. We have high expectations for this group and are looking forward to August when their newest chapter with UMass Lowell field hockey begins.”
 
RIVER HAWK PLAYER PROFILES
 
Name: Holly Beckinsale
Hometown/High School: Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland/Belfast
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-5
Club Team: Mossley Ladies Hockey Club
Major: Exercise Science and Kinesiology
 
HIGH SCHOOL: School 1XI captain and Ulster captain for UK School Games Tournament in Loughborough, England as a senior … named Ulster U18 captain and selected to the Ireland U18 Regional Squad as a junior … also played tennis … Northern Ireland Tennis runner-up as a senior.
 

PERSONAL: Daughter of Michael and Beverley … has one younger sibling (Chloe) … lists piano, harmonica, baking, Girls Brigade, coaching and scrapbooking as her favorite hobbies … names Friends, Young Offenders and Gilmore Girls as her favorite TV shows … Shirley McCay is her favorite sports figure, while Ireland Hockey and England Women’s Soccer are her favorite sports teams … chose to attend UMass Lowell because she has never seen a team with a better atmosphere and morale than this one.
 
Name: Alexa Guarneri
Hometown/High School: Hockessin, Delaware/The Charter School of Wilmington
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height: 5-5
Club Team: Delaware Sharks
Major: Nursing
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year varsity starter and two-year captain … two-time First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State selection … set single-season (38) and career goals (60) record at her high school … helped her team to three semifinal appearances … two-time NCCs qualifier … also played soccer.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Jason and Julie … has two brothers (Kyle and Cole) … both parents were college athletes … her favorite hobbies include skiing, going to the beach, wakeboarding and hiking … How I Met Your Mother and Impractical Jokers are her favorite TV shows … calls the New York Yankees her favorite sports team and lists Katie Ledecky as her favorite sports figure … chose to attend UMass Lowell for the high-quality field hockey program and the nursing program.
 
Name: Helena Herlocher
Hometown/High School: State College, Pennsylvania/State College Area
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder/Back
Height: 5-7
Club Team: Blue Stripe Field Hockey Club
Major: Business
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Named team captain as a senior … four-time District 6 champions … tabbed Mid-Penn First Team as a senior … selected to the All-State Second Team as a junior … helped her team win the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Championship as a sophomore … named to the Pennsylvania Academic All-American Team … also played lacrosse and was part of the indoor track & field team.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Neil and Sharon … has two siblings (Phebe and Charlie) … both parents and her siblings were all college athletes … favorite hobbies are
traveling, hanging out with friends and her dog, reading, cooking, baking and hiking …
Narcos and The Office are her favorite TV shows … names Ilona Maher and Billie Jean King as her favorite sports figures … lists the Eagles and Liverpool FC as her favorite teams … chose to attend UMass Lowell for the academic opportunities and welcoming team environment.
 
Name: Megan MacMiller
Hometown/High School: Tarzana, Calif./Chaminade College Preparatory
Class: Freshman
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-4
Club Team: Ventura County Red Devils
Major: Business
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity team member … team captain as a senior … two-time All-Star … named MVP as a junior and ranked first in the nation for saves by MaxPreps … earned Best Defensive Player honors as a sophomore and Rookie of the Year as a freshman … scholar-athlete all four years … member of the National Honors Society.
 

PERSONAL: Daughter of Cary an Amber … has two siblings (Ian and Erin) … lists reading, horseback riding and spending time with friends and family are her favorite hobbies … Bridgerton is her favorite TV show … names the Dodgers and the LA Kings as her favorite sports teams … lists Katie Bing and Maddie Hinch as her favorite sports figures … chose to attend UMass Lowell because of the field hockey community.
 
Name: Veerle Mous
Hometown/High School: Breda, Netherlands/De Nassau
Class: Freshman
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-9
Club Team: BHV Push Breda
Major: English
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Helped her club finish third in the Super A U16 National Championships.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Tim and Karien … has two brothers (Klaas and Ot) and a twin sister Feline … spends her free time skiing, snowboarding, hanging out with friends and shopping … favorite TV show is Gossip Girl … calls Lando Norris and Frenkie de Jong her favorite sports figures … chose to attend UMass Lowell because she sees an opportunity to merge her passions for journalism and field hockey into a unique and meaningful experience.
 
Name: Rena Pistilli
Hometown/High School: Lambaré, Paraguay
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Club Team: CURDA
Major: Liberal Arts
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Totals 30 FIH caps with eight goals … helped lead her club to two Senior Vice Champion titles in the national tournament … captained her team at the Pan American Senior Challenge and the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024 … also served as captain at the 2023 Hockey5s Pan American Cup … youngest member of the Senior National Team to participate at the 2022 Odesur Senior Tournament … made the Senior National Team at 16 years old and traveled to Peru for 2021 Pan American Challenge.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Carlos and Raquel … has three siblings (Fabriccio, José and Lara) … enjoys drawing and cooking in her free time … lists Twilight as her favorite TV show … names the Chelsea and Olimpia soccer teams as her favorite professional teams … Julieta Jankunas and Frederique Matla are her favorite sports figures … chose to attend UMass Lowell because it offered the perfect balance between competitive DI athletics and strong academics.
 
Name: Jaedyn Scarlatos
Hometown/High School: South Setauket, N.Y./The Hill School
Previous School: Bryant
Class: Sophomore
Position: Back/Forward
Height: 5-3
Club Team: WC Eagles
Major: Psychology
 
AS A FRESHMAN (2024 AT BRYANT): Started all 18 games … posted first collegiate goal against Queens (NC) … finished the season with one goals and two assists for four points.
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Helped lead her team to three MAPL Championships … led her team in assists and was named to the All-State Second Team twice … member of the 2022 State Championship winning squad … earned an All-State honorable mention as a sophomore … was also a member of the track & field team.
 

PERSONAL: Daughter of John and Kimberly … has three siblings (Jonathan, Jamison and Jaxson) … mother Kimberly played field hockey at UMass Amherst … enjoys reading, cooking, going to the beach and hanging out with friends and family in her free time … Gilmore Girls is her favorite TV show … calls the New York Islanders her favorite sports team and Michael Jordan her favorite sports figure … chose to attend UMass Lowell because she loved the community, team and culture, and felt it was the perfect home for her.
 
Name: Brynn Somers
Hometown/High School: Berlin, N.J./Eastern Regional
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder/Back
Height: 5-5
Club Team: Uprise
Major: Undeclared
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity starter and two year-captain…named First Team All Group 4, First Team All-Conference, First Team SJFHCA All-South Jersey as a senior … SJFHCA All-Star selection and Top 100 Senior in New Jersey … selected to the All-Conference First Team and named the Top 100 junior in N.J. … first place in U19 Disney Tournament and second place in the U19 Junior Premier League as a junior … U16 National Club Championship as a sophomore and freshman … also played lacrosse … member of the Spanish Honor Society.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Shannon and John…has four sisters (Kayla, Peyton, Tara and Maura) … sisters Tara, Kayla and Maura all played collegiate field hockey … favorite hobbies are playing piano, cooking, watching movies and hanging out with friends and family … favorite TV shows are How I Met Your Mother and Modern Family … the Phillies and the Eagles are her favorite sports teams … lists Simone Biles, Bryce Harper and Saquon Barkley as her favorite athletes … chose to attend UMass Lowell for the atmosphere and environment of the place and people, on and off the field.
 
Name: Haley Wernig
Hometown/High School: Franklin, Mass./Franklin
Class: Freshman
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-5
Club Team: Premier
Major: Business
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity team member … four-year Hockomock League Champions … named Best of 60 Senior All-Star, Hockomock League MVP, and NHSCA All-Region as a senior … Division I Massachusetts State Elite 8 as a senior and Final Four as a junior … surpassed 100 career goals as a senior … named Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Metrowest Daily News All-Star, and the 2023 Field Hockey Top Performer in Massachusetts as a junior … also played ice hockey and served as a four-year varsity captain.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Adam and Carrie …has two brothers (Nathan and Jack) … mom Carrie played field hockey at Providence College … favorite hobbies include spending time with friends, skiing and ice skating … Gossip Girl is her favorite TV show … the Boston Bruins are her favorite sports team … lists her mom, Riley Heck and Ashely Sessa as her most influential sports figures … chose to attend UMass Lowell because the coaching staff left a profound impression on her, in addition to the program’s excellence and close location.
 
Name: Abby Wortmann
Hometown/High School: Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth Area
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Club Team: PPA Lehigh Valley
Major: Civil Engineering
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year varsity starter … team captain as a senior … named to the All-State First Team and EPC First Team as a senior … nominated for Morning Call Athlete of the Week and Senior Cup … finished her career with 118 total points, including 13 goals and 15 assists as a senior … EPC Second Team and Morning Call All-Area Honorable Mention as a junior after helping her team to the EPC semifinals and the District XI quarterfinals … also played lacrosse … graduated with high honors.
 
PERSONAL: Daughter of Steve and Melissa … has a brother (Matt) and two sisters (Brittani and Alycia) … spends her time kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking with family … lists The Mandalorian, The Bear and From as her favorite TV shows … her favorite sports team is the Steelers … chose to attend UMass Lowell because she loves the atmosphere of the team and the academic programs it offered.

NHL Experience

After signing his first pro contract on Mar. 30, 2016, Tanev made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets on Apr. 5, 2016, against the Anaheim Ducks. He went on to play three games that season with the Jets, all on the road, during the team’s California trip (Anaheim, San Jose, Los Angeles).

Tanev’s first NHL point was on Nov. 3, 2016, against the Washington Capitals. Two nights later, he recorded his first two NHL goals against the Detroit Red Wings. Tanev recorded his first NHL hat trick on Mar. 27, 2018, against the Boston Bruins.

After three full seasons with the Jets, Tanev joined the Pittsburgh Penguins on a six-year contract. After two seasons with the Penguins, Tanev was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 Expansion Draft and headed west once again.

In his first season with the Kraken, Tanev suffered a season ending injury in Dec. after playing 30 games. However, in his second season with Seattle, Tanev rebounded for a career year. Tanev played all 82 games for the first time in his career and the forward set new career highs in goals (16), assists (19), and points (35).

During his fourth season in Seattle, Tanev was traded back to the Winnipeg Jets on Mar. 7, 2025. After a playoff run with his first NHL team, Tanev became a free agent and signed with the Mammoth on July 1, 2025.

Tanev enters his tenth full NHL season with 552 games of experience, 84 goals, 96 assists, and 180 points. Throughout his career, Tanev has 249 penalty minutes, two power play goals, three power play points, 10 shorthanded goals, 15 shorthanded points, two overtime goals, and 12 game winning goals.

International Experience

Tanev has represented Canada once throughout his career at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Through 10 games, Tanev had four goals and one assist for five points. Canada finished fourth in the tournament after losing to Sweden in the Bronze Medal Game.

This tournament was the first time Tanev worked with Utah Mammoth head coach André Tourigny, and the first time he played with new teammates Jack McBain and Dylan Guenther.

Many Mammoth Connections

In addition to representing Hockey Canada alongside Tourigny, McBain, and Guenther at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championships, Tanev has two additional connections to the team.

When playing in Pittsburgh, Tanev became friends with defenseman John Marino. Lastly, the forward became close friends with fellow Greater Toronto Arena native, Sean Durzi, and the two train together in the off-season.

Bringing the Energy

When describing who he is, Tanev shared the following:

“I’m an energetic guy. I’m very personable. I like to chat with the boys and keep things light when the time is right. At the same time, it’s understanding (when) it’s time to get to work and be in those moments where we need to zone in. When I walk around the locker room, I like to be fun, I like to be cordial, I like to have a smile on my face.”

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