Gavin McKenna to Play vs. Michigan as Legal Case Unfolds
Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky confirmed Wednesday what many around the program had anticipated: Gavin McKenna will be in the lineup this weekend as the Nittany Lions head to Ann Arbor for a pivotal series against Michigan.
What Gadowsky didn’t do - and wasn’t expected to - was comment further on McKenna’s ongoing legal situation. The freshman forward, and projected No. 1 overall pick in this summer’s NHL Draft, is facing charges stemming from an alleged altercation outside Doggie’s Pub on the night of January 31.
According to police, McKenna is accused of striking another man twice in the face during the incident, resulting in multiple jaw fractures that required surgery. While he was initially charged with four counts, the felony aggravated assault charge has since been dropped.
Details remain limited, but a report reviewed by this outlet indicates the Penn State hockey team had gathered in a private room at Doggie’s following their game that Saturday. During the gathering, a person not affiliated with the team allegedly directed verbal harassment toward a member of McKenna’s family, which escalated into a physical confrontation. Authorities have not released further context, and the case remains under legal review.
From a hockey standpoint, McKenna’s availability this weekend is a major development for a Penn State team fighting for positioning in both the Big Ten standings and the NCAA tournament picture. The Whitehorse, Yukon native returned to practice at Pegula Ice Arena this week, skating with his teammates in what was seen as a strong indicator he’d be ready to go.
And ready he seems to be.
Since returning from the World Juniors, McKenna has been electric - 14 points in his last eight games, including a three-point performance (1G, 2A) in his most recent outing against Michigan State on January 31. That game, played at Beaver Stadium, was a showcase of McKenna’s elite skill and poise under pressure - the kind of performance that continues to solidify his status as the top prospect in the upcoming NHL Draft.
But for Gadowsky, it’s not just about the goals and assists.
“There’s so much that very justifiably is recognized and written about his talent, and it should be, because it’s incredible,” Gadowsky said after the Michigan State game. “However, the more I get to be around Gav… the thing that I love the most is he is so for this team.
He loves being on Penn State’s campus. He wants very badly to be a part of this.”
Gadowsky went on to praise McKenna’s commitment to team play, noting that while the freshman consistently delivers in big moments, it’s his willingness to do the little things - the team-first things - that stand out most.
“He does everything that the team wants, and that the coaches want, to be an example for team play. He really does,” Gadowsky said.
“He’s a big moment player. He’s an incredible talent, but I tell you what, his desire to help the team is I think what I love most about him.”
As Penn State enters a critical stretch of the season, McKenna’s presence on the ice - and in the locker room - could be the difference-maker. The legal process will continue to play out off the ice, but on it, McKenna remains locked in and ready to lead.