Top 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Gavin McKenna Faces Assault Charges

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State men’s hockey forward and consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, faces serious legal trouble after being charged in connection with an alleged altercation in downtown State College.

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According to court documents and reports from Onward State, the Penn State student newspaper that first broke the story, McKenna was charged by State College police with first-degree felony aggravated assault — defined as attempting to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference to human life. He also faces a second-degree misdemeanor count of simple assault, plus two summary offenses: harassment (subjecting another to physical contact) and disorderly conduct (engaging in fighting).

The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday night, January 31, along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, with a police report filed around 10:35 p.m. Sources indicate the Penn State team had been at a downtown bar — including Doggies Pub — with friends and family following their high-profile outdoor game at Beaver Stadium earlier that day. In that contest, attended by 74,575 fans, McKenna recorded a goal and two assists, though the Nittany Lions fell 5-4 in overtime to Michigan State.

The alleged assault left the unidentified victim with a broken jaw. If convicted on the felony charge alone, McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison.

A Whitehorse, Yukon native, McKenna transferred from the WHL to the NCAA this season and has quickly made an impact at Penn State. Through 24 games, he has tallied 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points, ranking among the team’s top producers. He also represented Team Canada at the recent World Junior Championship, posting four goals and 14 points in seven games.

The criminal complaint was filed today, February 4, and the case awaits a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Casey McClain in Centre County. No preliminary hearing date has been scheduled yet. Penn State Athletics has not issued a public comment, though the NHL is aware of the charges.

It is not known how this will impact his draft stock in the NHL. One has to imagine, whether found guilty or not, some teams may think twice now. These allegations remain unproven in court, and McKenna is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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