Gavin McKenna arrest details: Latest on Penn State hockey star, potential NHL top pick facing assault charges

Penn State men's hockey star Gavin McKenna is facing felony aggravated assault charges after an alleged incident in State College last weekend, per Onward State.

McKenna was reportedly "at a downtown bar" with teammates, friends and family after the Nittany Lions' game on Saturday against Michigan State, which was played outdoors in Beaver Stadium, when he allegedly assaulted an unidentified individual.

McKenna, who joined Penn State as a freshman this season, has long been the favorite to become the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Here's what's known about McKenna's arrest.

Gavin McKenna arrest details

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

If found guilty, McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison for the felony charge alone, per Onward State. 

The Nittany Lions hockey star was in an alleged altercation on the night of Saturday, Jan. 31, after his team played its first-ever outdoor game in Beaver Stadium, the home of Penn State's football team. According to Onward State, Penn State's team "had been at a downtown bar with friends and family" after the game, and at that bar, McKenna "allegedly assaulted an unidentified individual, leaving the victim with a broken jaw."

According to PHL17, a preliminary hearing for McKenna has not yet been scheduled. 

McKenna, a Whitehorse, Yukon, native, has long been considered a favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He previously played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League, and in July 2025, announced his commitment to play at Penn State for the 2025-26 season, reportedly commanding a significant NIL package to do so. McKenna's commitment also came as the result of the American National Collegiate Athletic Association allowing CHL players eligibility to play in college starting in 2025-26.

How old is Gavin McKenna?

Gavin McKenna is 18 years old. He will turn 19 on Dec. 20, 2026.