Charge Dropped Against Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna, a highly regarded hockey prospect, has seen his felony aggravated assault charge dismissed by the Centre County District Attorney’s Office. The announcement came on a Friday, following his involvement in an incident on January 31, 2026, which took place after a hockey outdoor event at Beaver Stadium.
Incident Overview
On a day when 74,575 fans attended the Penn State versus Michigan State hockey event, McKenna was charged with multiple offenses stemming from a confrontation at Doggie’s Pub. The State College Police Department reported that McKenna was involved in an altercation where he allegedly punched another man, resulting in serious injuries.
Charges and Court Proceedings
- Felony aggravated assault charge has been dropped.
- Misdemeanor simple assault and other summary charges will proceed.
- A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday.
The District Attorney’s Office highlighted that the serious nature of the injuries to the victim would still warrant legal action. Although the initial complaint indicated that the victim had suffered multiple jaw fractures, subsequent investigations revealed he only had two fractures on one side of his jaw and no missing teeth. This clarification led to a re-evaluation of the charges against McKenna.
Legal Context
The felony aggravated assault charge could have subjected McKenna to a maximum prison term of 20 years. The definition of aggravated assault in Pennsylvania requires evidence of intent to cause significant bodily harm or reckless behavior with an extreme disregard for human life.
Evidence Review
After reviewing video footage from the pub and surrounding areas, both the District Attorney’s Office and the State College Police determined that evidence did not support the charge of aggravated assault. The decision to dismiss the felony count reflects this reassessment.
Background on Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna, 18, has already made headlines for his remarkable journey in hockey. As a winger from Canada, he defied expectations by choosing to join the Penn State men’s hockey team instead of the Canadian junior league. This move came after a significant NCAA policy change allowing Canadian junior players to participate in Division I teams.
In addition, McKenna has secured substantial NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings, reportedly around $700,000, significantly elevating his profile in college hockey.
Current Status
While the charges have altered, McKenna remains in the spotlight as he prepares for his upcoming legal hearing. His situation has also attracted attention from the NHL, although they have refrained from commenting due to his current amateur status.
Penn State’s men’s hockey program has chosen not to make any statements regarding McKenna’s ongoing legal challenges. The developments following the altered charges mark a pivotal moment for McKenna as he navigates both his legal implications and his budding hockey career.
