Felony Charge Dropped Against Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna, But Legal Proceedings Continue
Penn State men’s hockey standout Gavin McKenna is no longer facing a first-degree felony aggravated assault charge stemming from a downtown altercation last weekend. The Centre County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that the most serious charge against the 18-year-old forward has been dropped following a review of video evidence.
The incident, which occurred Saturday night in State College, initially led to McKenna being charged with felony aggravated assault, along with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. While the felony is now off the table, the remaining charges are still active and will proceed through the legal system.
According to authorities, the confrontation unfolded around 8:45 p.m. near the Pugh Street parking garage, just steps from Doggie’s Pub-a popular downtown spot and, notably, the site of a postgame team event earlier that night. Penn State had just dropped a 5-4 overtime heartbreaker to Michigan State, and the hockey team was reportedly gathered at the bar afterward.
Per the affidavit of probable cause, McKenna allegedly punched a 21-year-old man in the face twice during an exchange between two groups. The victim’s friends told police they recognized McKenna as a member of the Nittany Lions' hockey team. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators corroborated the account, showing McKenna exiting Doggie’s Pub shortly before the incident and then striking the individual.
Initially, it was believed the victim had sustained fractures on both sides of his jaw and had lost a tooth. However, a follow-up medical evaluation clarified that the injuries were limited to two fractures on one side of the jaw, and no tooth was missing.
Still, the damage was significant enough to require surgery on February 2, with the victim’s jaw now wired shut for a two-week recovery period. Police described the victim as being in “substantial” pain and barely able to speak at the time of the report.
The District Attorney’s office emphasized that after reviewing the video evidence, it did not find that McKenna acted “with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life,” which is why the felony charge was dismissed.
McKenna, a Canadian native, has been a force on the ice this season, notching 11 goals and 21 assists for Penn State. He also recorded a point in Saturday’s game against Michigan State.
Viewed by many scouts as the top prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna’s collegiate career has drawn attention not just for his on-ice production, but also because of his path to NCAA hockey. He joined Penn State after the NCAA lifted its long-standing restriction on Canadian Hockey League players competing at the Division I level.
When the charges were first filed on Wednesday, Penn State issued a brief statement: “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”
As the legal process continues, McKenna’s future-both in college hockey and as a top NHL Draft prospect-remains under a microscope.