Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 616: Featuring Gavin McKenna

Release Date: January 30, 2026
Location: Beaver Stadium, Penn State University
Hosts: Ryan Whitney, Paul “Biz” Bissonnette, Rear Admiral, Mike Grinnell
Special Guest: Gavin McKenna (star freshman, Penn State Nittany Lions)

Episode Overview

This week’s Spittin’ Chiclets is a special live episode at Penn State’s legendary Beaver Stadium, marking a unique setting and drawing in the excitement of the college hockey atmosphere. The episode features an in-depth, lively conversation with elite hockey prospect Gavin McKenna, discussion of NHL mid-season storylines, Patrick Kane’s legacy, trade rumors, college hockey’s growth, and plenty of classic banter. With their irreverent humor and deep knowledge, the crew navigates hockey’s present and future—both on and off the ice.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. Opening Banter at Penn State

[01:41-03:32]

• The hosts set the scene from Beaver Stadium—Whitney reflects on the energy of the venue and the uniqueness of recording during the Penn State outdoor game festivities.
• Multiple fun shout-outs to “Pink Whitney” drink activations on campus.
• Early classic Chiclets banter: college stories, Murrells joining the crew, drinking tales.

2. Patrick Kane Appreciation & Legacy

[03:35-14:34]

• The guys devote serious time to Patrick Kane’s ongoing career, debating whether he’s the greatest American-born player ever.
• Mer: “What a feat…I would have said greatest American born player of all time…when the chips were on the table, he showed up every goddamn time.” [04:20]
• Discussion of Kane’s Chicago legacy, his comeback from hip surgery, and his impact inspiring both American and Canadian players.
• Notable Kane moments: the 2010 Cup-winning overtime goal, “Showtime” swagger, and emotional veteran speeches.
• Yan recalls Kane’s notorious confidence and chirping: “I wasn’t talking to him, I was talking to you!” [10:28]
• Kane’s influence on youth hockey: “Even Canadian kids inspired by him…he’s a huge, enormous part of it.” [09:14–10:03]
• Lists comparable greats: Mike Modano, Austin Matthews, Crosby for Canadian kids.
• Value of peer-voted accolades (Ted Lindsay Award).

3. Hat Trick Record & Current NHL Highlights

[16:15-19:48]

• Darlene and recent defenseman hat-tricks, surging Buffalo Sabres, and the crazy record pace: 29 hat tricks in one month (NHL record).
• Hosts make game-night hat-trick predictions: McAvoy, Pasta, Caulfield, Kachuk.
• Mer notes “Sabres have just went through their best stretch of hockey in the history of their franchise. 19-3-1 over the last 23 games. That's a wagon.” [19:30]
• Brief updates on the Montreal Canadiens and Boston’s home dominance.

4. Trade Rumors, Extensions, and Roster Moves

[20:09-38:00]

• Avalanche’s Malinski’s new deal: analysis of his “team-friendly” contract and the cap situation.
• Discussion of Taves’ and Landeskog’s injuries and how they impact Colorado’s play.
• Toronto Maple Leafs trade/rebuild jokes: Whitney goads Mer about pressing for a rebuild.
• Panarin trade talk: possible trade, extension with San Jose, and other rumored destinations.
• “If I could pick one first round matchup, Detroit-Buffalo…That would be Caner’s going back to where he’s from.” [14:41]

5. College/New Hockey Hotbeds and Youth Development

[36:58–55:00]

• Explores growth of hockey in non-traditional U.S. markets: Texas, Florida, Oklahoma State’s D1 ambitions.
• Celebrini-Will Smith set play breakdown—importance of shoulder checks.
• “If I could say one thing to young kids about hockey—it’s know what you’re gonna do with the puck before you get it.” [39:13]
• Discussion of players from non-traditional markets: “It’s just crazy to see that number grow to that size…250–300 [Americans in the NHL] now.” [100:02]

Feature Interview: Gavin McKenna

[54:08 - 96:12]

6. Gavin’s Unique Path from Yukon to College Star

• Grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, population ~35,000. Frozen winters, hunting, rural upbringing.
• Early days of dominating local hockey and moving away at age 12 for higher competition:
  • “I'd have to fly to like Vancouver, Calgary, to play actual teams.” [56:23]
• Strong family tradition of hockey and hunting (learning perseverance from grandfather).
• “It’s the best way to grow up. I’m very fortunate to have what I had.” [60:22]
• Hardships and resilience: leaving home at 12, two broken hands, but driven to reach the next level.

7. Influences, Indigenous Heritage, & Family

• Proud of Indigenous heritage and family history.
  • “Me being Indigenous means a lot to me…I do it for my Grandpa.” [62:56]
• Mentorship from Dylan Cozens (Buffalo/Ottawa) and Jordan Tootoo.
• Idolized Patrick Kane as a kid: “I was a Blackhawks fan. Because of Kaner.” [64:14]

8. Junior & NCAA Jump: Why Penn State?

• Success in WHL with Medicine Hat: won championship, Memorial Cup appearance, 54-game point streak.
• Decision to choose NCAA over juniors after “doing it all” with Med Hat—“College was the next step for me.” [73:13]
• What sold him on Penn State: facilities, coaches, culture, chance to play against bigger, older players.
• “I feel like it'd make that jump to the NHL a little more smooth, like you see with Celebrini…and those guys.” [74:07]

9. On-ice Style & Practice

• Compared to Kucherov and Patrick Kane—loves to “read the ice, slow the game down, speed it up…a very smart player.” [87:43]
• Off-season training with Jim Hughes (father of the Hughes brothers) and Byron Ritchie.

10. Off-Ice—School, Fly Fishing, Team Culture

• Majoring in General Studies, loves unique classes: “I’m in a fly fishing class.” [78:40]
• Describes tight-knit team dynamic and adjusting to living with older players.

11. Handling Expectations & Social Media

• “I’m off Instagram this year. Just deleted it. This year’s been a big change, people picking my game and stuff. So it’s tough at times but…it fires me up.” [86:58]

12. Giving Back & Future Goals

• Plans to help build an indoor rink in Yukon: “Something we want to get done.” [95:17]
• Outlines a typical day, balancing gym, school, hockey, and building up for NHL career.

Notable Quotes

• On Patrick Kane’s clutchness:
  “When the chips were on the table, he showed up every goddamn time.” — Mer [04:20]

• On youth inspiration:
  “Even Canadian kids inspired by him. So, you know, it’s awesome to where the game’s headed, and he is a huge, enormous part of it.” — Mer [09:14]

• On rookie contracts:
  “He left like a million per, and if you wanted to take it to the off-season…know you’re going to be in a place for four years and you’re like, this team is going to be a fucking wagon.” — Mer [21:22]

• Gavin McKenna:
  “Me being indigenous means a lot to me. Especially I do it for my grandpa…he went through a lot growing up.” [62:56]
  “I’m off Instagram this year. I’ve deleted it. This year’s been a big change…people picking my game and stuff. So it’s tough at times but you know…honestly that stuff fires me up when I see people saying that stuff.” [86:58]
  “I feel like it’d make that jump to the NHL a little more smooth, like you see with Celebrini…and those guys.” [74:07]

Lighter Moments & Banter

• On life in Yukon:
  “Bears do, like, just walk around our neighborhoods.” — Gavin McKenna [58:48]
• On fly fishing class:
  “I went fly fishing for the first time this summer. I’m addicted.” — Mer [79:03]
• On Penn State traditions:
  “Obviously the whiteout. Pretty sick tradition…just like the roar zone.” — Gavin McKenna [82:26]
• Classic Chiclets chirping:
  On goal celebrations, college pranks, and team house party culture.
  “What a treat to be here at Penn State with star freshman…” — Ryan Whitney [54:08]

Further NHL & Hockey World Chat

• Ongoing narratives: expected playoff matchups and who is a "wagon."
• Trade deadline drama: Panarin, rumors around goalies, rebuilding debates (Leafs, Sabres).
• Analytics versus “juice” and emotional leadership in coaching.
• Funny stories about earning and losing fandom, retiring mid-game, NHL draft quirks, and even the politics of the Football Hall of Fame's snub of Belichick.

Closing Segment

[96:12–End]

• Hosts reflect on Gavin’s maturity and drive, and the excitement of seeing hockey's growth at all levels.
• Playful arguments on Norris trophy frontrunners, the importance of positivity from coaches, and developmental trends in the NHL.
• The show ends with typical hilarious off-topic banter about actor promotional tours and the “drama” of red carpet publicity.

In Summary

Episode 616 of Spittin’ Chiclets shines as a blend of deep hockey insight and entertainment, with a special focus on hockey’s future. The interview with Gavin McKenna is a standout, exploring his unconventional path, Indigenous pride, mature attitude, and thoughtful college decision-making. The crew balances old-school stories, league news, and razor-sharp chirps in a way that only Chiclets can—delivering an episode that's both informative and laugh-out-loud funny, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new listener.