Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Charged with Felony
Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old forward and potential first overall NHL draft pick, is facing serious legal issues. He has been charged with felony aggravated assault following an altercation in downtown State College.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, around 8:45 p.m. Witnesses reported that McKenna allegedly punched a 21-year-old man twice. This altercation took place along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, after an exchange of words between the individuals involved.
Injury and Medical Response
- The victim sustained significant injuries, requiring surgery to repair fractures on both sides of his jaw.
- The man’s jaw will remain wired shut for approximately two weeks, and he also lost a tooth.
- He experienced severe pain and difficulty speaking at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Context of the Incident
This fight occurred not long after McKenna had an impressive performance in a game against Michigan State. He scored a goal and assisted on two others during an exciting overtime match attended by nearly 75,000 fans at Beaver Stadium. Following the game, a hockey event was held at Doggie’s Pub, where the altercation began.
According to sources, tensions escalated after a man began heckling McKenna and his family. Despite attempts by McKenna’s teammates to defuse the situation, the confrontation intensified when the heckler insulted McKenna’s mother.
Legal Proceedings
McKenna was arraigned on February 4, 2026, by District Judge Casey McClain. He was released on $20,000 unsecured bail. In addition to the felony charge of aggravated assault, McKenna faces misdemeanor charges of simple assault and summary offenses, including harassment and disorderly conduct.
Official Reactions
A spokesperson for Penn State men’s hockey acknowledged the situation but refrained from commenting further due to its ongoing legal nature. Meanwhile, police confirmed that video footage from street cameras captured the incident, assisting in their investigation.
Penn State hockey coach Guy Gadowsky expressed admiration for McKenna, emphasizing his talent and character in the aftermath of the incident. McKenna’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, and the Nittany Lions are set to play against Michigan on February 13.
