2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna facing assault charges

STATE COLLEGE — Gavin McKenna, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, is facing assault charges.

McKenna, a freshman at Penn State, has been charged with aggravated assault by police in State College, Pa. He’s also charged with misdemeanour simple assault, disorderly conduct, engaging in fighting and harassment.

The incident date listed in the filing is Jan. 31. The criminal complaint was filed Wednesday by State College Police.

In a release, State College Police said, “It is alleged that McKenna struck a 21-year-old male in the face during the altercation, resulting in facial injuries requiring corrective surgery.”

Mckenna was arraigned on the charges before Magisterial District Judge McClain and released on US$20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Feb. 11, according to the release.

Aggravated assault is the most serious assault charge under Pennsylvania law and is classified as a felony.

“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment,” John Hanna, Penn State’s associate director of strategic communications, said in an email to The Canadian Press.

McKenna, 18, of Whitehorse, Yukon, spent three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers before committing to Penn State.

This season, McKenna has 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games with the Nittany Lions.

McKenna has twice played at the world junior hockey championship and helped Canada win bronze last month in Minneapolis-St. Paul, finishing second in tournament scoring with 14 points in seven games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2026.