Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State hockey forward and consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has been charged with multiple offenses including felony aggravated assault following an alleged incident in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, a court document shows.
The alleged altercation occurred on Jan. 31 at around 10:30 p.m. Multiple sources told StateCollege.com that McKenna allegedly struck another individual, reportedly causing a fractured jaw.
McKenna was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, defined in the court filing as attempting to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference. He also reportedly faces a misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and engaging in a fight. Pennsylvania court documents confirm the charges were filed by the State College Police Department on Wednesday, with McKenna awaiting a preliminary hearing.
The alleged altercation occurred at Doggie’s Pub, where McKenna and his Penn State teammates had gathered with friends and family following the team’s 5-4 outdoor game loss to Michigan State at Beaver Stadium earlier that day. The outdoor game drew a crowd of 74,575 fans, according to ESPN. CBS Sports notes that McKenna had scored a goal and recorded two assists in that game.
A conviction on the first-degree felony charge in Pennsylvania could result in up to 20 years in state prison. The maximum penalty also includes a potential $25,000 fine.
The allegations could also hamper McKenna’s NHL hopes. NHL Central Scouting ranks McKenna first among all North American skaters for the 2026 draft. The Whitehorse, Yukon native made headlines last year by becoming one of the first Canadian junior players to leave the Canadian Hockey League for NCAA hockey after a rule change allowed such transfers. He had previously starred for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League, where he recorded an exceptional 129 points in 56 games during the 2024-25 season and won CHL Player of the Year honors.
This season at Penn State, McKenna has produced 32 points in 24 games. He also represented Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championships, helping the team secure a bronze medal.
As of Wednesday evening, neither Penn State Athletics nor McKenna’s representatives have issued statements regarding the charges or McKenna’s status with the team. A Penn State men’s hockey spokesperson told StateCollege.com that university officials are “aware the charges were filed but would not comment on an ongoing legal matter.”
The NHL acknowledged awareness of the situation to ESPN but declined to comment, noting McKenna is not currently a league player.
The Nittany Lions’ next game is scheduled for Friday, February 13, against Michigan.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will undoubtedly impact both McKenna’s immediate future with Penn State and his status as a top NHL draft prospect. Of course, McKenna has not been convicted of any charges and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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