Photo credit: Jon Durr-Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna is making head coach Guy Gadowsky look like an absolute genius behind the Penn State bench. The kid is completely taking over the NCAA.
He just dropped an eight-point night against Ohio State to secure a massive blowout victory.
That jaw-dropping stat line translates to one goal and seven helpers. You simply do not see that kind of elite offensive output in the Big Ten.
That performance set a brand new single-game program and conference record. The 18-year-old forward is officially cementing his status as the undisputed first overall pick for the upcoming NHL Draft.
But the real story taking over the internet is what happened after the puck hit the back of the net.
McKenna confidently broke out the legendary "Billionaire Strut" right there on the ice. He was paying direct homage to MMA superstar Conor McGregor in front of a wild crowd.
The clip caught fire online and was circulating everywhere by Saturday morning. It is the exact kind of swagger that draws casual eyes to the sport.
The Notorious Responds
McGregor actually caught wind of the viral celebration and fired back on social media. The infamous fighter publicly shouted out the young hockey phenom for his undeniable confidence.
Having a global sports icon validate your goal celebration is a massive flex for a teenager. It shows exactly how much mainstream hype is currently building around this prospect.
McKenna dealt with a slightly slow start to his freshman NCAA campaign. But since returning from the World Juniors, he has flipped a switch and is producing at a ridiculous 2.2 points-per-game pace.
NHL scouts are currently drooling over his crisp passing and elite on-ice vision. He manipulates opposing defensemen effortlessly, establishing controlled entries and creating high-danger scoring chances on nearly every shift.
There were a few quiet whispers about him potentially slipping in the draft rankings early in the fall. Those critics are absolutely silent right now as he consistently torches the scoresheet.
Putting up 33 points across 26 games as an 18-year-old freshman is pure, unadulterated dominance. The dynamic transition game he brings to the table is entirely unmatched in his current draft class.
Expect the bottom-dwelling NHL teams to start praying to the lottery gods immediately. Landing a generational talent with this much personality will instantly accelerate any franchise rebuild in the Show.
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