Wiebusch, McKenna Garner National Award Recognition for October
JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna received national honors from the Hockey Commissioners Association for their outstanding performances in October, helping Penn State start the season strong.
National Awards for Penn State Players
- JJ Wiebusch, sophomore from Verona, Wisconsin, was named National Co-Player of the Month.
- Gavin McKenna, freshman from Whitehorse, Yukon, earned National Rookie of the Month honors.
The duo played crucial roles in Penn State’s impressive 9-1-0 start in October.
Team Status and Upcoming Challenge
Penn State currently holds the No. 3 spot in both national polls and is riding a seven-game winning streak. The team is preparing for a critical Big Ten series against No. 1 Michigan State in East Lansing this weekend.
Historical Context
Wiebusch and McKenna become just the third and fourth Nittany Lions ever to receive Hockey Commissioners Association awards. Previously, Evan Barratt was Co-Player of the Month in November 2018, and Aiden Fink was Rookie of the Month in November 2023.
Wiebusch’s Season Achievements
This season, Wiebusch has been named Big Ten Star of the Week twice, including the current week’s second star. He leads the nation with 11 goals, ranks second nationally in points with 18, and ties for the Big Ten lead.
“Wiebusch leads the nation with 11 goals while his 18 points are tied for second nationally and tops in the Big Ten with Cerrato.”
Author's summary: JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna earned national monthly honors for their key roles in Penn State’s strong start, highlighting the team’s rise in college hockey rankings.