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Gavin McKenna, a top NHL prospect who plays for the Penn State Nittany Lions ice hockey team, is facing an assault charge after an altercation Saturday night.
A criminal complaint was filed Wednesday against McKenna, 18, charging him with aggravated battery that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme wantonness.”
McKenna was also charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct in the Jan. 31 incident.
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Gavin McKenna of the Penn State Nittany Lions walks off the ice before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026 in State College, Pa. (Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
“We are aware that charges have been filed, but as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment,” a Penn State official told Pakinomist Digital in a statement.
The altercation took place in downtown State College, according to Onward State.
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McKenna had been at a bar with friends and family after the team’s outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State, the outlet reported. McKenna scored in the game, but the Spartans won 5-4.
During the incident, McKenna allegedly assaulted a person, leaving the victim with a broken jaw.
Gavin McKenna of the Penn State Nittany Lions skates before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026 in State College, Pa. (Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
The State College Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Pakinomist Digital.
McKenna is considered by many to be the potential first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after playing 24 games with the Nittany Lions and playing in the WHL the past three years with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
McKenna, who grew up in Whitehouse, Yukon, Canada, totaled 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games last season with the Tigers before making the jump to NCAA hockey.
He has also represented Canada at the U-20 World Junior Championships for the past two years, tallying four goals and 10 assists in seven games this year.
Gavin McKenna of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026 in State College, Pa. (Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing in his case, according to court documents.
