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.

Then, Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky saw “mutual interest” and had a chance to make his pitch. The Nittany Lions, who have exploded on the recruiting scene this summer, received a visit from McKenna and, ultimately, won his services over Big Ten foe Michigan State.