Gavin McKenna, widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is facing multiple charges in Pennsylvania following an incident that allegedly took place on Saturday night, according to Sean Gentille of The Athletic.
McKenna, an 18-year-old freshman who plays for the Penn State Nittany Lions, has been charged with felony aggravated assault, along with misdemeanor simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.
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According to a criminal complaint filed by the State College Police Department, the charges stem from an altercation on South Pugh Street in downtown State College, Pennsylvania.
The incident occurred after Penn State’s outdoor hockey game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Reports indicate McKenna was at a bar with teammates, family and friends when a confrontation broke out.
Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna warms up before a college hockey game.Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
(Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
Reports say McKenna allegedly struck another individual, resulting in a broken jaw. The police report was filed on Saturday night, and the case is awaiting a preliminary hearing in Centre County, with no date set yet.
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“According to the police report, an officer with the State College Police Department was dispatched to Mount Nittany Medical Center to speak with a patient who was reportedly assaulted in the downtown State College area on Saturday, January 31st,” KATV news reported. “The officer spoke with staff who confirmed the patient had been punched in the face and sustained fractures to both sides of his jaw, requiring surgery. The officer reports the right side of the patient’s face being swollen and dried blood on his lips. The officer reports the patient could hardly speak, was in substantial pain, and was missing a tooth from the bottom right side of his mouth.”
Under Pennsylvania law, aggravated assault is classified as a first-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The other charges also remain pending.
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Penn State issued a brief statement Wednesday, writing, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”
McKenna has played in 24 games this season for Penn State, recording 32 points, including 11 goals and 21 assists. He led Team Canada to a bronze medal at the World Juniors in January, finishing second in the tournament with 14 points in seven games.
Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna spent three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL before joining the NCAA ranks.
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McKenna’s record-setting junior campaign included 129 points in 56 games, placing him among elite company with current Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard and former NHL player Nic Petan as the only U18 WHL players to record 120 or more points since 2000.
Penn State next plays on Feb. 13 on the road against the Michigan Wolverines.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.