STATE COLLEGE, PA – Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State hockey forward widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault after an alleged altercation outside a parking garage in State College, Pennsylvania.
The charges stem from an incident on Saturday, January 31, when McKenna allegedly punched a victim twice in the right side of the face following an exchange of words between two groups, according to investigators. Court documents reveal the victim suffered a fractured jaw that required surgery and had to be wired shut for approximately two weeks.
McKenna faces first-degree felony aggravated assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine under Pennsylvania law. He was also charged with misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and fighting.
The alleged assault occurred on the same day McKenna played in an NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, where he scored one goal and recorded two assists. The Canadian forward leads the Nittany Lions this season with 32 points, including 11 goals and 21 assists, in 24 games.
McKenna received approximately $700,000 in NIL compensation to attend Penn State and has been the consensus top prospect for the upcoming June draft. His status as the projected first overall pick now faces significant uncertainty as the legal process moves forward.
Two friends of the victim provided statements to police describing the altercation, according to court filings.
Penn State released a brief statement acknowledging the charges. “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment,” the university said.
The NHL also confirmed awareness of the charges but declined to comment further.
McKenna’s case is expected to proceed through the Centre County court system. No court date has been publicly announced.
