In a shocking turn of events, Gavin McKenna, the highly regarded forward from Penn State and the anticipated first pick in this June's NHL draft, has found himself facing serious legal troubles. According to documents from Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court, he has been charged with felony aggravated assault among other offenses.
At just 18 years old, McKenna faces a daunting charge of first-degree felony aggravated assault, which is described as making attempts to inflict significant bodily harm or causing injury with extreme disregard for human life. Additionally, he has been charged with misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts related to disorderly conduct involving harassment and fighting.
The ramifications of a first-degree felony aggravated assault conviction in Pennsylvania can be severe, with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison and/or a hefty fine of $25,000.
This incident, which has garnered considerable attention, was reported by the State College Police Department. A criminal complaint was officially filed on Wednesday, and McKenna is now awaiting his preliminary hearing.
The alleged altercation occurred on Saturday, January 31, coinciding with a notable NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State's Beaver Stadium that attracted an impressive crowd of 74,575 spectators. In that game, the Nittany Lions faced off against Michigan State, resulting in a close 5-4 overtime loss for Penn State, during which McKenna made an impact by scoring a goal and assisting on two others. So far this season, he has amassed a total of 32 points, consisting of 11 goals and 21 assists in just 24 games.
Witnesses close to the victim reported to police that McKenna threw two punches, striking the victim on the right side of the face following a verbal exchange between the involved parties outside a parking garage. The severity of the incident is underscored by the victim's subsequent surgery for a fractured jaw, which required the jaw to be wired shut for approximately two weeks, unless further medical treatment is deemed necessary.
As for McKenna's phenomenal talent, NHL Central Scouting currently ranks him as the top North American skater, a testament to his skills on the ice. The NHL has acknowledged the charges against him but refrained from commenting, noting that he is not currently a member of the league.
In light of these developments, Penn State University has released a statement expressing awareness of the charges against McKenna, yet emphasizing their position of not commenting further due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
It's worth mentioning that McKenna made headlines last year when he made the unconventional decision to leave Canadian junior hockey to join the men's hockey program at Penn State. This decision came after the NCAA lifted restrictions in 2024 that previously forced young athletes to choose between playing in the Canadian Hockey League and pursuing college hockey in the U.S.
As one of the pioneering Canadian junior players transitioning to NCAA hockey, McKenna reportedly stands to earn an impressive amount through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, estimated to be around $700,000, according to sources familiar with the situation.
