Fans in attendance will get a look at one of the nation’s most anticipated matchups that features 

top-tier talent on both sides, including Penn State’s projected 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 pick, left wing Gavin McKenna.

The 17-year-old exploded for 129 points in 56 games with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers last season, and he immediately elevates the Nittany Lions’ already deep lineup. 

“It’s awesome that we’re playing such a good team, a Frozen Four team from last year, with even more talent than they had,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “It’s going to be a great barometer to see where we are, and it’s going to be great for our fans.”

The Nittany Lions return with much of their core from last season, including first-round defenseman Jackson Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets), and have added more high-end talent around McKenna. 

Penn State enters the series ranked No. 5 in the USCHO.com NCAA men’s ice hockey rankings, providing an early-season test for the Sun Devils’ young, deep roster.

Keys for the Sun Devils

Powers believes ASU’s balance of depth, size and skill will level the playing field:

Depth scoring: 

With 17 new faces, the Sun Devils need contributions beyond the top line. 

“This year’s fourth line could be most of our team’s second line,” Powers said. “Our depth is dramatic, and that’s going to be a huge factor against a team like Penn State.”

Goaltending: 

Friday’s starter will be senior transfer Connor Hasley, with freshman Samuel Urban slated for Saturday. Powers noted the competitive dynamic strengthens the team. 

“It’s a really good setup where we’ve got a senior and a freshman to transition in the future, but a guy that’s clearly good enough to get us to where we need to go right now,” Powers said.

Physicality: 

ASU’s roster has added size and toughness without sacrificing speed. 

“We have a lot of skill, a lot of speed, but it’s got to be will before skill,” Powers said. “You’ve got to wear teams down. You’ve got to play the right way and let your skill take over.”

Chemistry: 

Powers also addressed the challenge of integrating a large group of new players this season. 

“The biggest part of my job is to make sure we instill and pass our culture on to every new player,” Powers said. “Most importantly off the ice, when they’re away from the rink, what they’re doing in life translates to success on the ice.” 

Matchups to watch

Top lines vs. blue-line depth: 

The Sun Devils’ forwards face a test against Penn State’s veteran defensemen. Clean zone entries and puck management will be key.

Special teams: 

In a high-stakes series, power-play efficiency and penalty killing could swing momentum for both teams.

Young stars on display: 

ASU needs discipline and physicality to limit McKenna’s opportunities.

However, the Sun Devils have their counterpart to McKenna, and that is sophomore forward Cullen Potter. 

Potter had 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points in 35 games last season for ASU, which led to his selection, 32nd overall by the Calgary Flames, in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Outlook

Opening weekend is more than a test: it’s a statement. Powers stressed mindset over intimidation. 

“We have immense respect for what Penn State puts on the ice, but we will not be afraid of what we see,” Powers said. 

A Sun Devils’ sweep this weekend would present the program as a serious contender, while a split leaves much to be desired. 

Regardless, Mullett Arena is set to be packed for another season of ASU hockey. 

Student tickets became available on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for Friday’s opening game and sold out within four hours. The same occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for Saturday’s matchup, resulting in the 47th and 48th consecutive student sellouts at Mullet Arena.

The opening series puck drops at 7 p.m. MST on Friday, with Game 2 at 5 p.m. on Saturday.