As first reported by Penn State University student newspaper Onward State reporter Jack Anderson-Jussen, top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna was charged following an alleged altercation on Saturday night.
McKenna was charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and two offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment, as confirmed by Pennsylvania court records.
A conviction of a first-degree felony can lead to 20 years in jail.
Case file from the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal
The offense date for all charges is listed as Jan. 31, shortly after Penn State’s 5-4 loss to Michigan State in the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. Onward State reports that sources told the publication the team had been at a downtown bar in State College, Pennsylvania, following the game. The unidentified victim was left with a broken jaw.
McKenna is considered one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, with the Whitehorse, Yukon-born forward sitting second on Daily Faceoff’s most recent draft list. McKenna is the youngest player on Penn State, having turned 18 just prior to representing Canada at the 2026 World Juniors.
McKenna has 11 goals and 32 points in 24 games with Penn State this year, his first season in college hockey. He finished the outdoor game with a goal and two assists, marking the third time in six games he finished with at least three points in a game. McKenna was ejected from Friday’s meeting with Michigan State after cross-checking former Medicine Hat Tigers teammate as part of a brawl that saw both Lindstrom and Colin Ralph also ejected.
McKenna is the reigning CHL player of the year after registering 129 points in 56 games last season. He also won gold at the 2024 U-18 World Championship, and was one of the top scorers at the World Junior Championship earlier this season as McKenna helped Canada win bronze.
Neither Penn State, or McKenna, have released a statement regarding the charges.
