Gavin McKenna’s Major Charge Dropped in Penn State Hockey Case
Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna announced on February 6, 2026, that the felony charge of aggravated assault against Penn State hockey player Gavin McKenna has been dropped. This decision came two days after the charge was originally filed.
Details of the Incident
The assault charge arose from an incident on Saturday evening in downtown State College, where McKenna is alleged to have injured a 21-year-old man. Reports indicated that a verbal altercation occurred outside a parking garage, following McKenna’s game where he scored during an overtime loss in front of nearly 75,000 spectators at Beaver Stadium.
Legal Review and Charge Status
- Felony aggravated assault charge dropped.
- McKenna remains charged with misdemeanor simple assault and summary offenses including harassment and disorderly conduct.
Cantorna stated that a review of video evidence and the extent of the injuries led to the decision. The injuries were initially reported to be more severe, including a broken jaw and dental damage. However, officials later clarified that only one side of the man’s jaw was fractured, and he was not missing any teeth.
Context and Witness Accounts
During the altercation, witnesses reported that the man was heckling McKenna and his mother, which escalated the situation. It’s important to note that verbal arguments do not justify physical responses, as emphasized by Cantorna.
Current Status and Next Steps
McKenna was released on $20,000 unsecured bail after his arraignment. His future with the Nittany Lions remains uncertain as the university has refrained from making further comments, citing the ongoing legal matter. His preliminary hearing is set for February 11, 2026, just before Penn State’s next scheduled game against Michigan.
This case highlights the ramifications of off-ice incidents for student-athletes, particularly those in the spotlight like Gavin McKenna, who is projected as a top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.
