Gavin McKenna, a Penn State freshman forward and potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.
The incident occurred Saturday at a downtown State College, Pennsylvania, bar following Penn State’s outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State. Reports indicate McKenna allegedly broke the jaw of an unidentified individual during the altercation, though the circumstances that sparked the incident remain unclear.
Gavin McKenna (NHL)McKenna’s Legal Troubles Cast Uncertainty Over Draft Status And Collegiate Career
McKenna was released on $20,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 11 at the Centre County Courthouse. The State College Police Department confirmed the charges, while Penn State’s athletic department issued a brief statement acknowledging the legal matter and declining further comment due to the ongoing investigation.
McKenna, 18, joined Penn State after three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, taking advantage of an NCAA ruling allowing CHL players to compete collegiately. This season, he has recorded 11 goals and 32 points through 24 games, helping the Nittany Lions secure third place in the Big Ten. NHL Central Scouting recently ranked him as the No. 1 North American skater ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, making the arrest a significant development in the prospect’s career and potential draft positioning.
The incident raises questions about McKenna’s future both on and off the ice as legal proceedings move forward, and it places Penn State and NHL teams in a difficult position given his high-profile status.
