Wiebusch and McKenna Receive National Awards for October
JJ Wiebusch and Gavin McKenna earned national recognition from the Hockey Commissioners Association for their outstanding performances in the season's first month. Wiebusch, a sophomore from Verona, Wisconsin, was named National Co-Player of the Month, while McKenna, a freshman from Whitehorse, Yukon, received the National Rookie of the Month award.
Both players played crucial roles in Penn State's impressive 9-1-0 start throughout October. The Nittany Lions are currently ranked No. 3 in both major polls and have a seven-game winning streak as they head to East Lansing for an important Big Ten series against No. 1 Michigan State.
Historical Context and Team Impact
Wiebusch and McKenna are only the third and fourth players in Penn State history to receive such honors from the HCA. They join Evan Barratt, who was Co-Player of the Month in November 2018 as a sophomore, and junior Aiden Fink from Calgary, Alberta, who earned Rookie of the Month in November 2023.
Individual Accolades
Wiebusch has also been recognized twice by the Big Ten as a Star of the Week this season, including the current week's second star. He leads the nation with 11 goals, and his 18 points rank second nationally and first in the Big Ten alongside Cerrato.
"JJ Wiebusch was named the National Co-Player of the Month while Gavin McKenna was given National Rookie of the Month recognition as both players were instrumental to the 9-1-0 start for the Nittany Lions during the month of October."
"Penn State is currently ranked No. 3 in both polls and riding a seven-game winning streak on its way to East Lansing for a crucial Big Ten series against No. 1 Michigan State this weekend."
Summary
This national recognition underlines the significant impact Wiebusch and McKenna have had on Penn State's strong start and rising prominence in college hockey this season.
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