Gavin McKenna, a star forward for Penn State's hockey team and a top prospect for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, is facing serious legal trouble following an incident on January 31. The 18-year-old has been charged with felony aggravated assault, along with misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred Saturday night at a bar in State College, Pennsylvania. According to Onward State, McKenna and other members of the Penn State hockey team were at Doggie's Pub with friends and family after their game against Michigan State. Details remain somewhat unclear, but reports indicate McKenna allegedly assaulted an individual, who purportedly suffered a broken jaw.

The most severe charge, felony aggravated assault, could carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if McKenna is found guilty. This charge indicates that McKenna "attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference". The simple assault charge also carries a potential jail sentence of up to two years.

McKenna's promising hockey career has been significantly impacted by these allegations. Before joining Penn State, the Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada native had a remarkable season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL). As a 17-year-old in 2024-25, he recorded 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games and added 38 points in 16 playoff games as Medicine Hat won the WHL Championship. His outstanding performance included a 54-game point streak.

An August 2025 rule change allowed junior hockey players from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League to play NCAA hockey, paving the way for McKenna to play college hockey in the U.S.

Prior to the alleged assault, McKenna played in an outdoor game in front of 74,575 fans at Beaver Stadium on the same day. In the game against Michigan State, McKenna scored a goal and had two assists. Despite Penn State's 5-4 loss, McKenna described the experience as "special" and "something I'll remember forever".

McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing. The legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case and whether McKenna will face the full consequences of the charges against him. The incident and subsequent charges have cast a shadow over McKenna's future in hockey, as he was projected to be a high pick in the upcoming NHL draft.