HIGHLIGHTS
- Penn State star Gavin McKenna charged with felony aggravated assault
- McKenna allegedly broke victim’s jaw in altercation at Doggie’s Pub
- Top 2026 NHL Draft prospect faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted
The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is facing serious legal trouble.
Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna was charged Wednesday with felony aggravated assault following an alleged altercation at a downtown State College bar Saturday night, according to Onward State. The 18-year-old faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the felony charge alone.
State College police charged McKenna with felony aggravated assault that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” along with misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.
The incident occurred at Doggie’s Pub on the 100 block of South Pugh Street, per WKPS Radio’s Evan Smith. McKenna and his Penn State teammates had gathered at the bar with friends and family following Saturday’s outdoor game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.
According to reports, McKenna allegedly broke the jaw of an individual who was chirping him after he was asked to leave the establishment. Social media reports suggest the chirping involved comments about McKenna’s mother, though that hasn’t been officially confirmed.
McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing. No date has been scheduled yet.
The Whitehorse, Yukon native is the youngest player on Penn State’s roster, having turned 18 just before representing Canada at the 2026 World Juniors. He’s been considered the consensus top prospect for this June’s NHL Draft since joining the Nittany Lions this season.
McKenna has 11 goals and 32 points in 24 games for Penn State in his freshman campaign. He scored a goal and added two assists in Saturday’s outdoor game, a 5-4 overtime loss to Michigan State.
The freshman joined Penn State this season after three years with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He took advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing CHL players to compete collegiately. Last season with Medicine Hat, McKenna posted 129 points in 56 games and was named CHL Player of the Year.
He also represented Canada at the recent World Juniors, recording four goals and 14 points in seven games as Canada won bronze.
Penn State Athletics released a statement Wednesday evening addressing 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 NHL is also aware of the situation but declined to comment, per ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
This is a developing story.
