Michigan State's head coach Adam Nightingale calls out to players during the first period against Notre Dame in the Big Ten tournament on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Muni Arena in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to MSU Losing Out on Gavin McKenna

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 2:39 PM ET

Michigan State hockey was on the verge of being the center of the college hockey world when Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 overall pick in next year's NHL Draft, was decided between the Spartans and Penn State.

On Monday, Elite Prospects' Cam Robinson reported that McKenna will be committing to Penn State.

The Spartans fell just short. The following pretty much sums up how many fans were feeling:

Michigan State student that works with us. Tough day on the course pic.twitter.com/mBUqnytLiE
— James Murray (@JamesMurrayECH) July 8, 2025

Michigan State hockey fans have to be pleased with the excitement that had been surrounding the program for weeks. The program takes a backseat to football and basketball, but for about a month or so, McKenna was the talk of the Spartan fan base.

MSU Hockey had all of MSU Twitter tweeting about a potential recruit for a week in July.

It’s time to harness that excitement and get the atmosphere of 75,000 people in Spartan Stadium this winter @MSU_Battman. pic.twitter.com/SBw2XXYHdA
— Moneybagg (@MoneybaggH0E) July 7, 2025

Fortunately for Michigan State, it is still in a great position. The Spartans are still the reigning two-time Big Ten regular-season and tournament champions, and with Isaac Howard and Trey Augustine returning, national championship aspirations are higher than ever.

pic.twitter.com/jqNP70AbaO
— MSU Chief of Propaganda (@OdellBretthamJr) July 7, 2025

Natty or bust with or without him anyways
— Eric (@DETszn) July 7, 2025

Many now see the Big Ten -- and college hockey in general, for that matter -- running through Penn State. But one fan had to remind everyone that Howard, the best player in the country last season, dismantled the Nittany Lions' defense in University Park last season.

Anyways, here’s Hobey Baker Award winner Issac Howard scoring his fourth goal of the game against Penn State last season pic.twitter.com/xTG9sB88jM
— Joey Freshwater Forever (@BruMSU_) July 7, 2025

So what now? Well, as previously said, the Spartans should be just fine without McKenna. But some are already turning their attention to Porter Martone, who was recently taken with the sixth overall pick in this year's NHL Draft. He has not yet decided if he'll go pro for next season or play collegiately.

#MARTONE2MSU pic.twitter.com/7z4N7R6GrP
— Spartans Hoops (@HoopsSpartans) July 7, 2025

Next pic.twitter.com/q0PW1bTlU3
— JerBear (@JD_Jerbear) July 8, 2025

Michigan State hockey has already found much success with recruiting. Losing out on McKenna doesn't damage its hopes of a national title, and it wouldn't have done much for the long run, considering he would likely go straight to the pros after being drafted.

It would have been fun for fans, and the star power would have been through the roof. But things could be worse, and for the Spartans, next season still looks bright.

One thing is for certain, though: Munn Ice Arena will be rocking when McKenna and the Nittany Lions come to East Lansing next season.

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