Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Faces Felony Assault Charge

The 18-year-old is accused of breaking a man's jaw in downtown State College after a game.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Penn State hockey player Gavin McKenna, a top NHL draft prospect, has been charged with a felony aggravated assault after allegedly breaking a man's jaw in downtown State College. McKenna was released on $20,000 unsecured bail and is set to have a preliminary hearing on February 11, just two days before Penn State's next game. The case highlights the complexities of Pennsylvania's judicial system, where judges have wide discretion in sentencing and can deviate from standard guidelines.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about player conduct and accountability, especially for high-profile student-athletes. It also shines a light on Pennsylvania's criminal justice system and how judges determine appropriate sentences, even for serious charges like felony assault.

The details

According to the police affidavit, McKenna allegedly punched a man after the man began heckling McKenna and his mother following a Penn State hockey game. The victim suffered a broken jaw that required surgery and will be wired shut for two weeks. McKenna was charged with a felony aggravated assault as well as misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses.

  • The alleged assault occurred on Saturday, February 4, 2026, just hours after McKenna scored a goal in an overtime loss against Michigan State.
  • McKenna was arraigned on Wednesday, February 5, 2026 and released on $20,000 unsecured bail.
  • McKenna's preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, two days before Penn State's next game at Michigan.

The players

Gavin McKenna

An 18-year-old Penn State hockey player who is considered a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.

Bernie Cantorna

The Centre County District Attorney who declined to comment on the case.

John 'Jay' Abom

A Cumberland County attorney who provided legal analysis on Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines.

Brianna Shaw

A Philadelphia defense attorney who also provided legal analysis on Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines.

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What they’re saying

“Every sentencing in Pennsylvania, unless a mandatory minimum is involved, is an individualized sentencing based on the facts of the case and based on the character and background of the particular defendant.”

— John 'Jay' Abom, Attorney (Centre Daily Times)

“A judge is trying to look at all aspects — the harm to the community, the need for rehabilitation and punishment. While the guidelines are a helpful tool for judges to make sure that sentencing is somewhat uniform, judges are looking for very specific things in each defendant to either mitigate or aggravate the sentence and make it personal and specialized to them.”

— Brianna Shaw, Defense Attorney (Centre Daily Times)

What’s next

McKenna's preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, two days before Penn State's next game at Michigan. The judge in the case will decide at that time whether the charges against McKenna will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system and the wide discretion judges have in sentencing, even for serious charges like felony assault. It also raises questions about accountability for high-profile student-athletes and the balance between athletic success and off-field conduct.