Penn State's Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall pick in this June's NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other counts, according to Court documents.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 3:00AMPenn State forward Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall pick in this June's NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other counts, according to Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court documents.
McKenna, 18, was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, which is defined as "attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference"; misdemeanor simple assault; and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and engaging in a fight. Penn State's Gavin McKenna skates against Arizona State during an NCAA college hockey game on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz.The maximum penalty for first-degree felony aggravated assault in Pennsylvania is 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine. McKenna, a native of Canada, was charged by the State College Police Department. A criminal complaint was filed on Wednesday and McKenna was awaiting a preliminary hearing. The alleged incidents happened on Saturday, Jan. 31, the same day that an NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State's Beaver Stadium drew 74,575 fans. The Nittany Lions lost to Michigan State 5-4 in overtime. McKenna had a goal and two assists. He has 32 points in 24 games with Penn State this season. Two friends who know the victim told police that McKenna punched the victim twice on the right side of the face after an exchange of words between the two groups outside a parking garage, investigators said."The patient's jaw was wired shut and will remain that way for approximately 2 weeks unless further medical intervention is required," the document states. NHL Central Scouting ranks McKenna first among all North American skaters. The NHL told ESPN it is aware of the charges against McKenna but offered no comment, as he's not currently a player in the league."We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment," the statement said. McKenna stunned the hockey world last year by opting to leave Canadian junior hockey for Penn State's men's hockey program. In 2024, the NCAA ruled that Canadian junior players were now eligible to play on Division I teams, ending a decades-old policy that made young athletes choose between the Canadian Hockey League and college hockey. McKenna was one of the first Canadian junior players to make the jump to the NCAA. His NIL money for attending Penn State is "in the ballpark" of $700,000, a source told ESPN at the time.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Makings of greatness? | Sports Daily NewsletterPenn State’s Gavin McKenna could be the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft.
Read more »
Court docs: Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna reportedly charged with felony assaultGavin McKenna, Penn State's star hockey player and the projected number one overall draft pick in the NHL, is reportedly facing assault charges following an inc
Read more »
Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna charged with assault in downtown Penn State incident, court document showsFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Charged With Aggravated AssaultPenn State hockey player Gavin McKenna faces a felony aggravated assault charge, misdemeanor counts as he awaits a preliminary hearing
Read more »
Gavin McKenna, Top NHL Draft Prospect, Faces Felony Assault ChargePenn State hockey forward Gavin McKenna, a top 2026 NHL Draft prospect, faces felony assault charges after an alleged bar incident in State College.
Read more »
Penn State’s Gavin McKenna, a top 2026 NHL draft prospect, charged with aggravated assaultMcKenna, 18, allegedly assaulted someone in downtown State College this weekend after the Nittany Lions' outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium.
Read more »