Aggravated Assault Charge Dropped Against Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna, one of the brightest young stars in college hockey and a top NHL Draft prospect, is no longer facing the most serious legal charge stemming from a Jan. 31 altercation in State College.
The 18-year-old Penn State freshman was initially hit with multiple charges - including first-degree felony aggravated assault - after allegedly punching a 21-year-old man during an incident along South Pugh Street. The altercation took place just hours after McKenna played in Penn State’s historic first-ever outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium.
But after reviewing video evidence, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office announced that it would be dropping the aggravated assault charge. Prosecutors determined that McKenna did not act with intent to cause serious bodily harm or with reckless disregard for human life. While the victim did suffer a fractured jaw and required surgery, the injuries were not as severe as initially believed, according to the DA’s office.
McKenna still faces lesser charges - including simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct - and the legal process will continue. He was arraigned on Feb. 4 and released on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is now set for March 11 in Centre County Court.
Penn State issued a brief statement acknowledging awareness of the charges but declined further comment, citing the ongoing legal matter.
On the Ice, McKenna’s Talent Shines Bright
Off the ice, McKenna is navigating a legal situation. On the ice, he’s been nothing short of electric.
The freshman forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, has lived up to every bit of the hype that followed him to Happy Valley. In 24 games this season, McKenna has tallied 11 goals and a team-leading 21 assists for a Penn State squad ranked No. 5 in the country. His ability to create plays, find passing lanes, and elevate those around him has made him a focal point of the Nittany Lions’ attack.
That talent was on full display during the outdoor showdown against No. 2 Michigan State - a game that drew national attention. McKenna delivered a goal and two assists in the 5-4 overtime loss, showcasing his elite vision and poise under pressure in a marquee moment for the program.
McKenna’s résumé before arriving at Penn State is already the stuff of legend. Last year, he was named the top player in the Canadian Hockey League - a distinction previously earned by the likes of Sidney Crosby and John Tavares. At just 17, McKenna became the third-youngest player ever to win the award, powered by a jaw-dropping 54-game scoring streak with the Medicine Hat Tigers - the CHL’s longest in a quarter-century.
At 6-foot, 170 pounds, McKenna combines speed, finesse, and hockey IQ in a way that’s drawn comparisons to some of the best young talents in recent memory. Scouts have him firmly in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft, and he’s widely expected to turn pro after just one season of college hockey.
For now, McKenna’s future remains a blend of elite potential and off-ice uncertainty. But what’s clear is this: when he’s on the ice, there are few players in the sport right now - at any level - who can do what he does.