Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old Canadian forward for Penn State and the projected top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, faces felony aggravated assault charges following an alleged altercation in State College. Authorities say he punched a 21-year-old man twice in the face on January 31, causing severe injuries including a fractured jaw. McKenna was released on $20,000 bail after his arraignment on Wednesday.
Gavin McKenna, a standout freshman for the Penn State Nittany Lions and widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offenses of harassment and disorderly conduct. The incident occurred on January 31 in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, shortly after Penn State's men's hockey team lost 5-4 in overtime to Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. McKenna scored one of Penn State's goals in that contest.
According to a police affidavit, McKenna and his group left Doggie's Pub, which hosted an event for the hockey team, and became involved in an exchange of words with another group near a parking garage on South Pugh Street. Witnesses identified McKenna, recognizable as a Penn State player, and described him punching the 21-year-old victim twice in the face, causing the man to stumble backward. Street camera footage captured the altercation, showing McKenna wearing a white backward hat, puffer jacket, jeans, and white sneakers.
The victim suffered fractures to both sides of his jaw, lost a tooth, and experienced substantial pain, barely able to speak when officers arrived at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He underwent surgery on February 2, with his jaw wired shut for about two weeks. Blood was later found on the ground at the scene.
McKenna, from Whitehorse, Yukon, was arraigned on Wednesday before District Judge Casey McClain and released on $20,000 unsecured bail. He is not in custody, and his preliminary hearing is set for February 11 in Centre County. If convicted of the felony charge, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Penn State Athletics issued a statement acknowledging the charges but declining further comment due to the ongoing legal matter. McKenna has recorded 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games this season, following three years with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League. He also contributed four goals and 10 assists to Canada's bronze-medal performance at the IIHF World Junior Championship last month.
The NHL has not commented, and McKenna's draft prospects remain uncertain amid the investigation.
