Penn State Superstar Gavin McKenna Facing Felony Assault Charges

Penn State freshman forward Gavin McKenna has been charged with felony aggravated assault. McKenna, widely considered a top prospect for the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft, now faces a legal battle that puts his athletic future in serious jeopardy.

According to a police report filed in State College, the 18-year-old Canadian forward was involved in an incident outside a local bar that resulted in a man suffering a broken jaw. The charges include misdemeanor simple assault and summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment. If convicted on the felony charge, McKenna could face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

Following a Penn State outdoor game, McKenna was reportedly out at Doggies Pub in State College. While details of what led to the altercation remain part of the ongoing investigation, local authorities allege that a physical confrontation took place near the establishment.

The police report indicates the victim sustained serious injuries, specifically a broken jaw, which elevated the primary charge to a felony. The charges were made public in early February, quickly circulating through student media outlets and eventually national sports news.

Currently, the case is moving through two separate but parallel tracks: the criminal justice system in Centre County and the internal student conduct review process at Penn State University.

Who is Gavin McKenna?

Before these charges surfaced, Gavin McKenna was headline news for his on-ice performance. He arrived at Penn State with high expectations, given how lengthy his resume is in the hockey world. His transition to NCAA hockey has been fantastic. In the 2025–26 season, McKenna has logged 24 games, scoring 11 goals and adding 21 assists.

His playmaking ability and offensive instincts had drawn the eyes of NHL scouts, many of whom had penciled him in as a potential top-round pick in the 2026 draft. This guy was on top of the hockey world.

The Fallout: Draft Stock and Roster Spot

The timing of these charges could not be worse for a player looking to turn professional.

Impact on the 2026 NHL Draft

Historically, teams react to active felony charges in one of two ways: they remove the player from their draft board entirely, or they slide the player significantly in the rankings until the legal outcome is clear. Or if you’re the Arizona Coyotes, drafting Mitchell Miller knowing the truth about his allegations.

With a charge as serious as aggravated assault, McKenna’s draft stock is volatile. Scouts will be asking hard questions about discipline and off-ice decision-making. Until the legal process resolves—which could take months—McKenna carries a “high-risk” label that many General Managers may avoid.

Penn State’s Dilemma

For the university, the priority shifts from winning games to managing campus safety and reputation. While Penn State had not released a detailed disciplinary statement at the time the news broke, standard protocol in NCAA athletics suggests that players facing felony charges are often suspended from all team activities indefinitely. The athletics department must now balance McKenna’s right to due process against the severity of the alleged violence.

What Happens Next?

The legal road ahead for McKenna is steep. Depending on the strength of the prosecution’s case, his counsel may seek to contest the charges. Don’t be surprised if they negotiate a plea deal to reduce the felony to a lesser offense.

Simultaneously, the university’s internal investigation will determine his status as a student. Even if the legal case drags on, the university has the authority to issue interim suspensions that would keep him off the ice for the remainder of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Gavin McKenna been kicked off the team?
As of the initial reports, there has been no formal announcement regarding a permanent dismissal or suspension. However, universities typically enact interim suspensions quickly once felony charges are filed.

What specific charges is he facing?
McKenna is charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary counts: disorderly conduct and harassment.

Could he actually go to prison?
Under Pennsylvania law, a conviction for felony aggravated assault can carry a sentence of up to 20 years.

The Bottom Line

The situation is a reminder of how quickly a sports career can be derailed by off-ice actions. What looked like a clear path to the NHL is now clouded by court dates and legal defense strategies. If this is true and he’s guilty of this, not only is his career done, but he may spend a long time behind bars As the legal process unfolds, the hockey world will be watching.