Report: Gavin McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison

Gavin McKenna, Penn State (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

Report: Penn State's Gavin McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Daniel Amoia | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 9:44 PM ET

The hockey world is in shock.

According to Onward State, an independent, student-run news site covering all things Penn State, projected No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna is “facing four charges, including a felony of aggravated assault, after an alleged altercation downtown Saturday night.”

Earlier that day, McKenna notched a goal and two assists against Michigan State in front of 74,575 raucous fans outdoors at Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football.

Onward State’s initial report mentioned that in addition to felony aggravated assault that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” he also faces misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment. This is confirmed by the Criminal Docket posted by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.

If McKenna is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison based on the felony charge alone. Wyshynski mentioned that the National Hockey League is aware of the charges but offered no comment.

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

The Criminal Docket shows that the criminal complaint was filed today, Feb. 4. They are now awaiting a preliminary hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. The case is currently assigned to Magisterial District Judge Casey McClain in State College Borough, Centre County.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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