New Disturbing Details Released On Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna’s Felony Assault Charges

Gavin McKenna just wanted to protect his family.

Penn State men’s hockey forward Gavin McKenna has been charged following an alleged altercation. It reportedly went down in downtown State College late Saturday night. The incident occurred along the 100 block of South Pugh Street.

Adrian Autry after Syracuse’s 2OT win over Cal

State College police charged McKenna with felony aggravated assault that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference.” He was also charged with misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.

If found guilty, McKenna faces up to 20 years in prison on the felony charge alone. The 18-year-old is on the cusp of derailing his own NHL career before it can start. His alleged offenses took place on January 31, according to court documents. That was the same day the No. 6-ranked Nittany Lions lost in overtime to No. 2 Michigan State. That game took place in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium in College Park, Pennsylvania.

A Message On Social Media Allegedly Shows What Gavin McKenna Did To Be Arrested

Jan 31, 2026; State College, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)
According to the State College Police Department, McKenna was involved in an altercation at approximately 8:45 p.m. ET on Saturday. It was reported that he struck a 21-year-old male in the face, causing injuries that required corrective surgery.

A message on social media lays out the situation. One guy who attends PSU was out with friends when they ran into Gavin McKenna and his mother at a bar. One of the men decided to disrespect his mom by allegedly calling her a “who-e.”

That is when McKenna allegedly knocked that guy out and sent him to the hospital. The unnamed man reportedly had a broken jaw in three places, a concussion, and three missing teeth. McKenna was arraigned Wednesday night by District Judge Casey McClain, who released him on $20,000 unsecured bail.

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“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment,” a Penn State men’s hockey spokesperson said.

The freshman McKenna is currently third on the Nittany Lions. He has 11 goals and leads the team with 32 points through 24 games. Prior to joining the Nittany Lions, McKenna was the WHL and CHL Player of the Year.