Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Faces Felony Assault Charge Following Historic Game
Just hours after one of the most high-profile games in Penn State hockey history, freshman phenom Gavin McKenna is now facing serious legal trouble.
McKenna, 18, has been charged with a first-degree felony for aggravated assault stemming from an alleged incident that took place on Jan. 31 - the same day Penn State faced off against No. 2 Michigan State in a landmark outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. According to police records, the charges were formally filed on Feb. 4 and also include simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
The timing of the alleged incident adds another layer of shock to the story. Earlier that day, McKenna had delivered a standout performance in front of more than 75,000 fans - the second-largest crowd in NCAA hockey history. He tallied a goal and two assists in a thrilling 5-4 overtime loss, showcasing the elite skill that’s made him one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport.
While details of the incident remain limited - no affidavit of probable cause had been filed as of Wednesday evening - the charges alone have cast a cloud over what had been a breakout freshman season for McKenna and a signature moment for Penn State hockey.
The university acknowledged the charges in a brief statement, saying officials are aware of the situation but declined further comment due to the ongoing legal matter.
McKenna’s on-ice résumé speaks for itself. In 24 games this season, he's racked up 11 goals and a team-leading 21 assists for the fifth-ranked Nittany Lions. That production, combined with his high-end skating and hockey IQ, has him firmly in the conversation as a potential No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft.
Before arriving at Penn State, McKenna was the top player in the Canadian Hockey League last season - an honor previously won by the likes of Sidney Crosby and John Tavares. He’s just the third-youngest player ever to earn that distinction, thanks in part to a jaw-dropping 54-game scoring streak with the Medicine Hat Tigers, the CHL’s longest in a quarter-century.
His decision to jump to the NCAA - bypassing another year in junior hockey - was seen as a bold but calculated move. He chose Penn State over traditional hockey powers like Michigan State, reportedly accepting a lucrative NIL package that may be among the most generous ever offered in college hockey. The plan, by all accounts, was to spend just one season in State College before making the leap to the pros.
Now, all of that is in question.
As the legal process unfolds, McKenna’s future - both with the Nittany Lions and as a top NHL prospect - remains uncertain. What’s clear is that a player once celebrated for his poise and maturity on the ice is now facing one of the most serious challenges of his young career.