The top prospect in the upcoming NHL draft is facing a serious accusation. Police say Gavin McKenna was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault stemming from an incident that occurred recently. The 18-year-old is playing college hockey at Penn State after leaving the Canadian junior league system. He is facing charges that include first-degree felony aggravated assault, simple assault, and other related counts as a result of an altercation that occurred in State College on the evening of January 31st, the same day that an NCAA hockey game at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium took place. State College Police report McKenna allegedly struck a 21-year-old male in the face, resulting in facial injuries that required surgery. Witnesses say the victim was harassing the top hockey prospect before getting his jaw broken. Penn State issued a statement saying, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have further comment.” McKenna was arraigned on charges and released on $20,000 bail. He is to face a preliminary hearing on February 11th.
Thursday 5th February 2026
