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Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Faces Misdemeanor Assault Charge
Felony charge withdrawn after review of video evidence
Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:39pm
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Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, expected to be a top NHL draft pick, will face a misdemeanor assault charge instead of a felony after prosecutors reviewed video evidence of an alleged altercation near the Penn State campus. The district attorney's office said the evidence did not support the more serious felony aggravated assault charge.
Why it matters
McKenna is considered one of the top prospects for this year's NHL draft, so this incident could impact his draft stock and future professional prospects. The case also highlights how video evidence can influence charging decisions, especially for high-profile individuals.
The details
According to the criminal complaint, McKenna allegedly struck another man twice in the face during an altercation last weekend, causing fractures to the victim's jaw that required surgery. However, after reviewing the video evidence, prosecutors determined the evidence did not support the felony aggravated assault charge and are instead moving forward with a misdemeanor simple assault charge and other summary offenses.
- The alleged incident took place around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
- The criminal complaint was filed on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
- On Friday, February 7, 2026, the district attorney's office announced it was withdrawing the felony charge.
The players
Gavin McKenna
An 18-year-old Canadian hockey player who is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NHL draft.
State College Police Department
The law enforcement agency that filed the initial criminal complaint against McKenna.
Centre County District Attorney's Office
The prosecutors who reviewed the video evidence and decided to withdraw the felony charge against McKenna.
Alleged Victim
An unidentified man who suffered fractures to his jaw that required surgery following the altercation with McKenna.
What they’re saying
“In order to establish probable cause for the crime of Aggravated Assault, the Commonwealth must establish that a person acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or acted recklessly under circumstances showing an extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
— Centre County District Attorney's Office (latimes.com)
“Both the District Attorney's Office and the State College Police Department have reviewed video evidence of this incident and do not believe that a charge of Aggravated Assault is supported by the evidence.”
— Centre County District Attorney's Office (latimes.com)
What’s next
The district attorney's office said prosecution will move forward with the misdemeanor simple assault and other summary charges related to the victim's injuries.
The takeaway
This case highlights how video evidence can significantly impact charging decisions, even for high-profile individuals like top NHL prospects. It also underscores the importance of thoroughly reviewing all evidence before pursuing the most serious criminal charges.
