Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna to Play Against Michigan After Campus Fight

McKenna faces misdemeanor assault charges but will suit up for top-10 matchup

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, a projected top-2 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, will play against No. 2 Michigan this weekend despite being arrested for an alleged assault on campus last month. McKenna, who has 32 points so far this season, initially faced a felony aggravated assault charge but that was dropped by prosecutors, leaving him with three misdemeanor simple assault charges. Penn State's coach said McKenna "will continue to participate" with the team.

Why it matters

McKenna's continued participation is crucial for Penn State, as he is the team's leading scorer and one of the top draft prospects in college hockey. The decision to allow him to play raises questions about how universities handle high-profile student-athlete misconduct cases, especially with important games on the line.

The details

According to reports, McKenna allegedly punched a man twice in the face, fracturing his jaw, shortly after Penn State lost to Michigan State in an outdoor game on January 31st. McKenna is facing three charges of misdemeanor simple assault, down from the initial felony aggravated assault charge. His preliminary hearing has been rescheduled from February 11th to March 11th.

  • The alleged incident occurred on January 31, 2026.
  • McKenna's preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026.

The players

Gavin McKenna

An 18-year-old Canadian hockey player who left the Western Hockey League to play collegiately for Penn State. He is a projected top-2 pick in the upcoming NHL draft and Penn State's leading scorer this season with 32 points.

Guy Gadowski

The head coach of the Penn State hockey team, who said McKenna "will continue to participate" with the team despite the pending charges.

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What they’re saying

“Gavin McKenna "will continue to participate" with Penn State.”

— Guy Gadowski, Penn State Hockey Head Coach (247Sports)

What’s next

McKenna's preliminary hearing on the misdemeanor assault charges is scheduled for March 11, 2026, which will determine if the case proceeds to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues universities face in balancing the participation of high-profile student-athletes with allegations of misconduct, especially when important games and the athlete's professional prospects are on the line. It raises questions about accountability, discipline, and the university's role in shaping the character of its student-athletes.