Wiebusch and McKenna Garner National Award Recognition for October
WAKEFIELD, Mass. – The early season accolades continue for Penn State as sophomore JJ Wiebusch from Verona, Wisconsin, and freshman Gavin McKenna from Whitehorse, Yukon, both received national honors from the Hockey Commissioners Association for their outstanding October performances.
Wiebusch earned the title of National Co-Player of the Month, while McKenna was recognized as the National Rookie of the Month. Their contributions were key in Penn State’s impressive 9-1-0 start to the season.
The Nittany Lions now hold the No. 3 spot in both national polls and are riding a seven-game winning streak as they prepare for a pivotal Big Ten matchup against top-ranked Michigan State in East Lansing this weekend.
Wiebusch and McKenna join a select group of Penn State players to have received HCA honors, following Evan Barratt, who was Co-Player of the Month in November 2018, and current junior Aiden Fink from Calgary, Alberta, who earned Rookie of the Month in November 2023.
Wiebusch leads the nation with 11 goals and ranks second nationally with 18 points, a total that also places him first in the Big Ten alongside Cerrato.
He has also been named Big Ten Star of the Week twice this season, including this week's second star recognition.
Author’s Summary
Penn State’s JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna secured national player and rookie honors for October, highlighting the team's strong season start and growing national presence.