Penn State Adds Jaxon Cover
Penn State hockey announced the addition of Jaxon Cover, described in reporting as a projected high pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, as the program rebuilds after offseason departures (victorybellrings.com). The signing was framed as a response to substantial attrition following the Nittany Lions’ NCAA Tournament first‑round loss to Minnesota‑Duluth (victorybellrings.com).
Penn State men’s hockey added winger Jaxon Cover on April 10, giving Guy Gadowsky’s program a draft-eligible scorer from the London Knights as it rebuilds for 2026-27. (statecollege.com) Cover announced the commitment on Instagram Friday, and Penn State’s addition comes after an offseason that already included National Hockey League signings, graduations, and transfer portal losses. (statecollege.com, victorybellrings.com) The 18-year-old left wing is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, and he produced 20 goals and 32 assists in 67 regular-season games for London in the Ontario Hockey League in 2025-26. (onwardstate.com, statecollege.com) Scouting outlets have placed Cover in the 2026 National Hockey League Draft mix, with NHL Central Scouting ranking him No. 45 among North American skaters at midseason and other services listing him inside the top 50. (onwardstate.com, victorybellrings.com) Penn State needed help up front after its season ended with a 3-1 loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the Albany Regional semifinal on March 28. Within days, forward Matt DiMarsico signed with the Colorado Avalanche and goaltender Kevin Reidler signed with the Ottawa Senators. (gopsusports.com, victorybellrings.com) Reporting on Penn State’s roster turnover also identified transfer portal departures by forwards J.J. Wiebusch and Nic Chin-DeGraves, plus graduations for Ben Schoen, Chris McFayden, Jarod Crespo, and Carter Schade. (victorybellrings.com) Cover arrives from a path that is unusual even by hockey standards. NHL.com reported that he was raised in the Cayman Islands, played roller hockey there, and moved to Canada at age 12 before later joining St. Andrew’s College and the London Knights. (nhl.com) Penn State’s current 2025-26 roster already includes Ontario Hockey League forward Luke Misa and 2025 first-round defenseman Jackson Smith, showing the program’s continued reliance on major junior talent. (gopsusports.com, victorybellrings.com) For Penn State, the immediate point is simple: a roster that lost proven production added an 18-year-old winger with 52 points in one of junior hockey’s top leagues. (statecollege.com, onwardstate.com)
