Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Faces Felony Assault Charges

The Penn State hockey community is reeling after star freshman forward Gavin McKenna, widely regarded as a potential first-overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, was charged with felony aggravated assault and several related offenses. The incident, which allegedly took place late on January 31, has cast a shadow over one of college hockey’s most promising young careers—and raised urgent questions for both the Nittany Lions and the broader NCAA landscape.

According to court documents and multiple reports, the alleged altercation occurred along the 100 block of South Pugh Street in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, shortly after Penn State’s high-profile outdoor game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium. The game itself was a spectacle, drawing 74,575 fans—the second-largest crowd ever for an outdoor college hockey contest. But hours after the final whistle, with players, friends, and family gathered at a local bar, the evening took a dramatic turn.

McKenna, who turned 18 just last December, is accused of assaulting another individual outside the bar, resulting in serious injuries. The most serious of the charges—first-degree felony aggravated assault—carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 under Pennsylvania law. The criminal complaint specifies that the charge involves “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference.” In addition to the felony, McKenna faces misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment. The victim reportedly suffered a broken jaw during the incident, according to sources first cited by Onward State.

McKenna’s preliminary hearing is scheduled before Centre County Magisterial District Judge Casey M. McClain on February 11, 2026. His unsecured bail was set at $20,000. If convicted, the legal ramifications could extend beyond prison time and fines: as a Canadian citizen from Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna could face deportation under U.S. immigration law.

Penn State officials have acknowledged the charges but, citing the ongoing legal process, have declined to elaborate. John Hanna, the associate director for communications for Penn State men’s hockey, stated, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.” The NHL, which closely scouts McKenna as a top draft prospect, also noted awareness of the situation but refrained from public statements, as McKenna is not yet a league player.

For McKenna, the legal turmoil comes at a pivotal moment in what has been a groundbreaking season—both for him personally and for the NCAA. The 2025–26 campaign marks the first year that players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)—including the Western Hockey League (WHL), where McKenna previously starred—are eligible to suit up for NCAA teams. This shift followed a November 2024 NCAA eligibility rule change prompted by an antitrust lawsuit, ending decades of exclusion for CHL athletes, who had been considered professionals under old guidelines.

McKenna’s decision to leave the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL for Penn State in June 2025 sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Not only did it signal a new era for NCAA hockey, but it also underscored the growing influence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals in college sports. McKenna reportedly secured a NIL package worth approximately $700,000 to join the Nittany Lions, though the exact figure remains unconfirmed. This lucrative arrangement made him the first hockey player widely recognized as worthy of a six-figure NIL deal and set a precedent for future Canadian prospects considering the NCAA route.

On the ice, McKenna has lived up to the hype. Through 24 games, he’s tallied 32 points—11 goals and 21 assists—tying him for the team lead and helping propel Penn State to an 18–4 record, good for third in the Big Ten and a national ranking of sixth. His performance in the outdoor game against Michigan State was particularly notable: McKenna scored a goal and added two assists, though the Nittany Lions ultimately fell 5–4 in overtime to the No. 2-ranked Spartans.

McKenna’s hockey pedigree is as impressive as his collegiate debut. Last season, as a 17-year-old with the Medicine Hat Tigers, he posted a staggering 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 regular-season games, plus 38 points in 16 playoff contests as Medicine Hat captured the WHL Championship. His 54-game point streak and league-leading assist total turned heads across North America, placing him firmly atop NHL Central Scouting’s rankings for the 2026 draft. He also recently shone on the international stage, notching four goals and six assists to help Canada secure a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships.

The incident and subsequent charges have left McKenna’s future with the Penn State program uncertain. As of now, there has been no official word regarding any team-imposed suspension or change in his playing status. The Nittany Lions have eight regular-season games remaining, and their postseason ambitions may hinge on whether their star freshman is available—or if legal proceedings will sideline him indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the story has ignited debate within the hockey community and beyond. The NCAA’s recent eligibility reforms, intended to open doors for Canadian junior players and foster new opportunities, are now being viewed through a more complicated lens. Some observers worry that the intense spotlight and financial incentives facing young athletes like McKenna may bring added pressures—and, in some cases, unforeseen consequences.

For now, all eyes remain on State College as the legal process unfolds. McKenna, who did not request a public defender and whose representatives have not commented publicly, is awaiting his day in court. The outcome could have far-reaching implications—not just for his career, but for the evolving relationship between college sports, NIL deals, and international talent pipelines.

As the Nittany Lions prepare for the final stretch of their season, the fate of their brightest star hangs in the balance. The hockey world will be watching closely, eager for answers and resolution as one of the sport’s biggest off-ice stories continues to develop.