Top 2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna has been charged with felony aggravated assault by State College, Penn., police, according to a police report obtained by Evan Smith of WKPS Radio.
The Penn State freshman is also charged with misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offences for disorderly conduct and harassment.
BREAKING: Gavin McKenna charged with felony assault
Over the last few days, we looked into reports that Gavin McKenna broke the jaw of a kid who was chirping him after he was asked to leave Doggies Pub Saturday night
He has now been charged with aggravated assault and three… pic.twitter.com/67RinaVl4f
— Evan Smith (@EvanRGSmith) February 4, 2026
If convicted of the felony, McKenna faces up to 20 years in prison. The police report is dated Jan. 31.
Sources tell Jack Anderson-Jussen of Onward State, a Penn State student blog, that McKenna and Nittany Lions teammates were at a bar after the team’s outdoor game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football. McKenna allegedly assaulted the victim, who incurred a broken jaw.
Penn State issued a statement to ESPN on the matter.
“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 read.
An 18-year-old native of Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna committed to Penn State following three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers.
In 24 games this season at PSU, McKenna has 11 goals and 21 assists.
McKenna has represented Canada internationally on a number of occasions, including at back-to-back World Junior Hockey Championships.