Las Vegas, Nevada – Penn State University freshman sensation Gavin McKenna has been overlooked as a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award, an annual honor recognizing the top player in NCAA men’s ice hockey. Despite a remarkable debut season that saw him dominate scoring charts and set program records, McKenna was not among the ten finalists announced on March 18, 2026, by the Hobey Baker Memorial Award committee. The three “Hobey Hat Trick” finalists will be revealed on April 3, with the winner announced during the Frozen Four on April 10 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the day before the national championship game.
The omission comes as a surprise to many observers, given McKenna’s exceptional performance throughout the 2025-2026 season. The 2026 draft-eligible forward finished second in NCAA men’s ice hockey with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) and boasted a points-per-game average of 1.50, according to NHL.com. He currently ranks third nationally in shots with 150. His impact on the Penn State Nittany Lions was immediate and profound, leading the Big Ten in scoring with 38 points in just 24 conference games. McKenna’s playmaking ability was particularly noteworthy, as he established a new team record with 36 assists, including a stunning performance against Ohio State where he registered a goal and seven assists – the most points scored in a single NCAA game in 39 years.
McKenna’s Accolades and National Recognition
Beyond the statistical achievements, McKenna garnered significant recognition for his outstanding play. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten, earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and was crowned the conference’s Freshman of the Year. His performance also drew attention from NHL scouts, as he currently ranks first in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking of North American skaters eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He also represented Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
The Hobey Baker Award selection process involves voting from all 64 NCAA Division I college hockey coaches and online fan balloting. This year’s finalists include Michigan’s T.J. Hughes, Minnesota’s Charlie Stramel, and eight other standout players: Trey Augustine (Michigan State), Eric Pohlkamp, Ethan Wyttenbach, Felix Trudeau, Hayden Stavroff, James Hagens, Max Plante, and Augustina. Isaac Howard of Michigan State University, who currently plays for the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate, won the award last season.
The Finalists and Past Winners
The ten finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award represent a diverse range of talent and programs across the NCAA. T.J. Hughes of Michigan has also had a standout season, contributing significantly to the Wolverines’ success. Charlie Stramel, a forward for Michigan State, was selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft (21st overall) by the Minnesota Wild. Trey Augustine, the goaltender for Michigan State, is considered a potential Hobey Baker winner, with the possibility of becoming the second goalie in the past 25 years to claim the award, following Minnesota State’s Dryden McKay in 2022.
Looking back at recent Hobey Baker winners reveals a history of exceptional collegiate players who have gone on to successful professional careers. In 2025, Isaac Howard took home the honor, while in 2024, Collin Graf was recognized for his outstanding performance. Previous winners include Adam Fantilli (2023), Ben Meyers (2022), and Cole Caufield (2021), all of whom have made significant impacts in the NHL.
A Look at Recent Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalists
The Hobey Baker Award has a long and storied history, consistently recognizing the best of the best in college hockey. Here’s a look at the Top 10 finalists from recent years:
- 2025: Aiden Fink, Alex Tracy, Ayrton Martino, Isaac Howard, Jack Devine, Jimmy Snuggerud, Liam McLinskey, Mac Gadowsky, Ryan Leonard, Zeev Buium
- 2024: Collin Graf, Cutter Gauthier, Jack Devine, Jackson Blake, Kyle McClellan, Lane Hutson, Liam McLinskey, Macklin Celebrini, Sam Morton, Will Smith
- 2023: Adam Fantilli, Blake Pietila, Collin Graf, Devon Levi, Jason Polin, Lane Hutson, Logan Cooley, Matthew Knies, Sean Farrell, Yaniv Perets
- 2022: Ben Meyers, Bobby Brink, Bobby Trivigno, Brian Halonen, Devon Levi, Dryden McKay, Luke Hughes, Matty Beniers, Nathan Smith, Yaniv Perets
- 2021: Cole Caufield, David Farrance, Dryden McKay, Dylan Holloway, Jack Lafontaine, Keith Petruzzelli, Matt Boldy, Odeen Tufto, Shane Pinto, Spencer Knight
- 2020: David Farrance, Dryden McKay, Jack Dugan, Jason Cotton, Jeremy Swayman, John Leonard, Jordan Kawaguchi, Marc Michaelis, Morgan Barron, Scott Perunovich
- 2019: Adam Fox, Cale Makar, Chase Priskie, Jimmy Schuldt, Joseph Duszak, Mason Jobst, Nico Sturm, Patrick Harper
What’s Next for McKenna and the Hobey Baker Award?
While McKenna’s absence from the finalist list is undoubtedly disappointing, his impressive freshman season has firmly established him as a player to watch in the coming years. The announcement of the three “Hobey Hat Trick” finalists on April 3 will further narrow the field, and the ultimate winner will be revealed during the Frozen Four on April 10. The award ceremony will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, adding to the excitement surrounding the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship.
McKenna’s future remains bright, with his exceptional talent and potential drawing significant attention from NHL teams. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he is poised to become a dominant force in the world of hockey. His performance this season has already cemented his place among the elite players in college hockey, and his journey is far from over.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award continues to be a prestigious honor, recognizing the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of the top players in NCAA men’s ice hockey. The selection process is rigorous, and the finalists represent the best of the best in the sport. This year’s competition is particularly strong, with a talented group of players vying for the coveted award.
Fans can continue to follow the Hobey Baker Award selection process and learn more about the finalists on the official website: hobeybaker.com.
The next key date for the Hobey Baker Award is April 3, when the three “Hobey Hat Trick” finalists will be announced. Hockey enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional athletes. Share your thoughts on the finalists and McKenna’s season in the comments below!