Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Facing Felony Assault Charge

Potential 2026 NHL No. 1 pick accused of assault at a bar in State College

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Gavin McKenna, a star forward for the Penn State hockey team and one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, is facing a felony charge following an alleged weekend incident at a bar in State College, Pennsylvania. McKenna is accused of assaulting an individual, who reportedly suffered a broken jaw in the incident.

Why it matters

McKenna was touted as a potential generational prospect before joining Penn State, and his legal troubles could jeopardize his future in the NHL if the charges are proven true. The incident also raises concerns about player conduct and accountability at the NCAA level.

The details

According to a court filing, McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing after being charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault, as well as harassment and disorderly conduct. The incident allegedly occurred after McKenna and other Penn State hockey players met at a bar in State College following a game against Michigan State.

  • The alleged assault occurred on Saturday night in State College, Pennsylvania.
  • McKenna is an 18-year-old freshman at Penn State University.

The players

Gavin McKenna

A star forward for the Penn State hockey team and one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Penn State University

The college hockey team that McKenna plays for.

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What’s next

McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing to determine if the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This incident raises concerns about player conduct and accountability at the NCAA level, especially for high-profile prospects like McKenna who are expected to be top draft picks in the NHL.