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Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna charged with felony assault
Penn State freshman allegedly broke man's jaw, knocked out tooth in weekend altercation
Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:47pm
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Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, a freshman center and top NHL draft prospect, has been charged with felony assault for allegedly breaking a man's jaw and knocking out a tooth in an altercation last weekend in State College, Pennsylvania. McKenna was also charged with simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
Why it matters
As a top NHL draft prospect, McKenna's alleged actions raise concerns about player conduct and discipline, especially for high-profile student-athletes. The incident also highlights the challenges universities face in managing off-field behavior of their elite athletes.
The details
According to police, McKenna twice punched the 21-year-old victim in the face, requiring the victim to undergo surgery and have his jaw wired shut. The incident occurred in the hours after Penn State lost to Michigan State in an outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium.
- The incident happened last weekend in State College, Pennsylvania.
- McKenna was arraigned and released on $20,000 unsecured bail.
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
The players
Gavin McKenna
A freshman center on the Penn State hockey team and a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.
21-year-old man
The victim who suffered a broken jaw and a knocked-out tooth in the alleged assault by McKenna.
Penn State
The university where McKenna plays hockey and is a freshman.
What’s next
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, where a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.
The takeaway
This incident raises concerns about the conduct and discipline of high-profile student-athletes, especially those with professional prospects. It also highlights the challenges universities face in managing the off-field behavior of their elite athletes.
