Gavin McKenna Charged with Felony Following January 31 Incident
Penn State men’s hockey player Gavin McKenna has been charged with a felony following a serious incident on January 31. The altercation occurred late Saturday night in downtown State College, specifically on the 100 block of South Pugh Street.
Details of the Incident
The State College police reported that McKenna, 18, faces multiple charges. These include:
- Felony aggravated assault
- Misdemeanor simple assault
- Two summary offenses for disorderly conduct
- Harassment
The aggravated assault charge indicates that McKenna allegedly attempted to inflict serious bodily harm or demonstrated extreme indifference that led to injury. If convicted on this charge, he could face a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Background and Consequences
Reports suggest that the team had been gathering with friends and family at a local bar following an outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium. During this time, McKenna reportedly assaulted an unidentified individual, resulting in a broken jaw for the victim.
Player Profile
Gavin McKenna is viewed as a highly regarded talent, considered a potential first overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. This season, he has made notable contributions, scoring 32 points, including 11 goals and 21 assists. He recently scored during a match against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.
Ongoing Developments
El-Balad is monitoring the situation closely. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Penn State Athletics department has been contacted for comments regarding this incident.
Other sources, including reporters James Russell, Alex Smith, and CJ Gill, are also covering this developing story.
