Gavin McKenna’s Unforgettable Day Takes a Troubling Turn Off the Ice
For 18-year-old Gavin McKenna, January 31 was supposed to be a day etched in memory for all the right reasons. Earlier that afternoon, the highly touted NHL prospect took the ice with Penn State in front of a jaw-dropping 74,575 fans at Beaver Stadium. The outdoor game was the kind of spectacle players dream about - and McKenna delivered under the bright lights.
He was dynamic from the drop of the puck, notching a goal and assisting on two others in a performance that showcased exactly why he's projected to go at the very top of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The Nittany Lions came up just short in a 5-4 loss, but for McKenna, the moment was bigger than the scoreboard.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime game, so having this experience, it was special,” McKenna said postgame. “Something I’ll remember forever.”
But what started as a career-defining day for all the right reasons has now taken a serious and concerning turn.
Later that same night, McKenna reportedly became involved in an incident that has led to four criminal charges: simple assault, aggravated assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. According to reports, the incident occurred after McKenna and friends went out to a bar following the outdoor game. The allegations center around an assault that left one individual with a broken jaw.
The most serious charge - aggravated assault - carries significant legal weight in Pennsylvania. If convicted, McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison. The simple assault charge also brings potential jail time of up to two years.
It’s a stunning development for a player who, just hours earlier, was being celebrated for his on-ice brilliance in one of college hockey’s marquee events. McKenna, who has publicly expressed interest in playing for the Calgary Flames, is widely expected to be drafted either first or second overall this summer. As it stands, the Vancouver Canucks hold the best odds at landing the top pick.
Right now, though, the conversation around McKenna has shifted sharply - from his NHL potential to serious legal questions that could impact his future both on and off the ice.
The hockey world will be watching closely as more details emerge and the legal process unfolds. For a player who had everything trending in the right direction, this is a moment that could define far more than just a single day.