Pay-for-play contracts are the new norm at Division 1 colleges and universities in the United States now, and a reported $700,000 US deal for former Medicine Hat Tigers star Gavin McKenna at Penn State suggests how lucrative it can be for top athletes to make the move from their Canadian Hockey League junior teams.

McKenna is a rare gem, just 17-years-old and the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2026 National Hockey League draft.

If his wizardry drives some national TV exposure and spurs another deep post-season run — and perhaps a national title for the Nittany Lions, who made their first Frozen Four appearance earlier this year — it will probably be worth the investment.

National Collegiate Athletics Association schools that opted into the new revenue-sharing program this year will have

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