NHL Prospective Star Gavin McKenna Faces Assault Charge
Gavin McKenna, a promising young talent in the NHL, is facing serious legal challenges. The Penn State forward has been charged with felony aggravated assault and additional offenses according to court documents from Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Court. McKenna, who is only 18 years old, was identified as the consensus first overall pick for the upcoming NHL draft this June.
Details of the Charges
McKenna faces several charges stemming from an incident that occurred on January 31. These include:
- First-degree felony aggravated assault
- Misdemeanor simple assault
- Two summary counts of disorderly conduct (harassment and engaging in a fight)
The charge of aggravated assault is serious, defined by Pennsylvania law as either attempting to cause serious bodily injury or inflicting injury with extreme indifference. Conviction for this charge can lead to up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000.
Incident Overview
The charges were brought forth by the State College Police Department. A preliminary hearing is expected to take place soon. The alleged events coincided with a notable NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, where the Nittany Lions faced off against Michigan State on the same day. The game attracted a crowd of 74,575, with Michigan State winning 5-4 in overtime. During the match, McKenna registered one goal and two assists.
McKenna’s Career Highlights
As of now, Gavin McKenna has achieved significant success this season, boasting a total of 32 points in 24 games, which includes 11 goals and 21 assists. His skills on the ice have garnered him the top ranking among North American skaters from NHL Central Scouting.
Response from the NHL and Penn State
The NHL has acknowledged awareness of the charges against McKenna but refrained from making further comments since he is not yet a league player. Meanwhile, Penn State released a statement confirming their knowledge of the legal situation. They have stated that they will not provide additional commentary as this is an ongoing legal matter.
Background on McKenna
Originally from Canada, McKenna made headlines last year by leaving the Canadian junior hockey system to join the NCAA. This decision followed a groundbreaking 2024 NCAA ruling allowing Canadian junior players to compete on Division I teams, a significant change in eligibility rules. Moreover, reports indicate that McKenna’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal for attending Penn State is estimated to be around $700,000.
