Penn State Hockey Prospect Faces Felony Assault Charges

State College, Pa. — Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old freshman forward for the Penn State men's hockey team and a leading candidate to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, faces felony charges of aggravated assault stemming from an incident on Jan. 31.

According to court documents filed by State College police, McKenna also has been charged with misdemeanor simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. The aggravated assault charge, a first-degree felony under Pennsylvania law, carries potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The case is awaiting a preliminary hearing, with no date scheduled yet. Details of the allegations remain limited, though a student-run news outlet reported that the incident involved McKenna allegedly assaulting someone at a downtown bar, resulting in a broken jaw for the victim.

The altercation occurred hours after Penn State's 5-4 overtime loss to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, the home of the Nittany Lions football team. McKenna scored the team's second goal in that contest. A spokesperson for Penn State Athletics confirmed the university is aware of the charges but declined further comment,...