Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State freshman widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, faces felony aggravated assault and three additional charges stemming from an alleged altercation in downtown State College on Jan. 31, 2026, according to court documents and police statements.
State College Police filed the charges Feb. 4 after investigating the incident that occurred around 8:45 p.m. on the 100 block of South Pugh Street. Authorities allege McKenna struck a 21-year-old man in the face, causing injuries severe enough to require corrective surgery. The victim was not identified in public filings.
McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault — defined under Pennsylvania law as attempting to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference to human life — misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offenses: disorderly conduct (engaging in fighting) and harassment. Conviction on the felony count alone carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
Court records show McKenna was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Allen N. McClain at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 4 and posted $20,000 bail. He was released the same evening. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11.
The incident reportedly took place hours after Penn State men’s hockey lost 5-4 in overtime to Michigan State in the outdoor “Frozen Fest” game at Beaver Stadium, attended by 74,575 fans. Sources told multiple outlets the team had gathered at a downtown bar with friends and family following the game.
Penn State Athletics issued a brief statement: “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”
McKenna, who turned 18 on Dec. 20, 2025, has been a standout for the Nittany Lions in his freshman season. Ranked No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list for North American skaters, he is considered a generational talent with elite skating, playmaking and scoring ability. Scouts project him as a franchise center capable of immediate NHL impact.
The charges have sent shockwaves through the hockey community. On forums like HFBoards and Reddit’s r/hockey, fans expressed disbelief and disappointment, with many calling it a “gut punch” for Penn State and the 2026 draft class. Some posts speculated on draft stock implications, though NHL teams typically evaluate legal matters case-by-case and await resolution.
Legal experts note aggravated assault is a serious charge in Pennsylvania, often involving intent or recklessness causing significant harm. The misdemeanor simple assault count covers basic physical harm or threat, while summary offenses are low-level infractions typically handled via fines.
Neither McKenna nor his representatives have commented publicly. Attempts to reach his family and Penn State hockey coach were not successful. The university has not announced any internal disciplinary action, though student-athlete conduct policies could trigger review.
The timing is particularly notable given McKenna’s rising profile. He had been a focal point in pre-draft coverage, with mock drafts universally slotting him first overall.
The incident occurred amid a strong Penn State campaign — the team ranked No. 6 nationally entering the weekend — and just days before the Super Bowl spotlight shifted attention elsewhere.
Police provided limited details beyond the charges and injury description. The criminal complaint, accessible via Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System portal, lists the offenses but omits victim identity and full narrative to protect privacy during active proceedings.
Hockey insiders say the case will likely draw NHL scrutiny.
The league and teams conduct thorough background checks on prospects, and pending felony charges could influence draft decisions, interviews and combine invitations. However, no formal suspension or league involvement has been reported, as McKenna is not yet an NHL player.
Penn State has faced similar off-ice incidents with athletes in recent years, though none involving a prospect of McKenna’s caliber. The university’s athletic department typically cooperates with law enforcement while conducting parallel reviews under student conduct codes.
For now, McKenna remains enrolled and on the roster, though his status for upcoming games is unclear. Penn State’s next contest is scheduled against Michigan on Feb. 7.
The case underscores the high stakes for young athletes in high-profile programs. A felony conviction could jeopardize McKenna’s NHL future, scholarship status and reputation, even if mitigated by plea deals or acquittal.
As the preliminary hearing approaches, attention will remain on the facts, legal proceedings and any statements from involved parties. For a player once celebrated as the face of the 2026 draft class, the charges mark a sudden and serious turn.