Felony Charges Against NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Dismissed

Gavin McKenna, a talented hockey prospect, has had his felony aggravated assault charge dismissed. This announcement came from the Centre County District Attorney’s Office on February 6, 2026. McKenna, who is seen as a potential first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, faced charges stemming from an incident that occurred on January 31.

Background of the Incident

On the same day as a major outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium, McKenna was involved in a confrontation. The event attracted 74,575 spectators watching Penn State men’s hockey take on Michigan State. Following the game, McKenna was at Doggie’s Pub when he allegedly punched a man twice in the face after a verbal exchange.

Details of the Charges

• Initial Charges: McKenna faced four counts including first-degree felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault.
• Injuries: The victim suffered fractures to his jaw and required surgery, although police later clarified that he only suffered two fractures on one side and no tooth was missing.
• Evidence Review: A review of video footage led the District Attorney’s Office to withdraw the felony charge, stating there was insufficient evidence to support it.

Ongoing Legal Matters

Despite the dismissal of the felony count, McKenna will still face misdemeanor simple assault and other summary offenses related to the incident. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday.

Reactions and Future Implications

Penn State’s hockey program has chosen not to comment on the ongoing legal issues. The NHL is aware of the situation but has refrained from making public statements since McKenna is not yet part of the league.

At 18 years old, McKenna is a high-scoring winger from Canada who made headlines last year when he transitioned from Canadian junior hockey to NCAA hockey at Penn State. This shift followed an NCAA ruling allowing Canadian junior players to compete in Division I, breaking previous restrictions. Reports indicate that McKenna’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings for joining Penn State are around $700,000.

As McKenna navigates these legal challenges, his future in hockey remains a point of interest as he prepares for the NHL draft.