Who is Gavin McKenna? Projected 2026 NHL top draft pick faces assault charges
FILE-Gavin McKenna #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walks off the ice before an NCAA men's hockey game against the Michigan State Spartans at the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by
Gavin McKenna, a top National Hockey League draft prospect this year, is facing assault charges stemming from a Jan. 31 altercation.
McKenna, who is a star player for the Penn State hockey team, is charged with felony aggravated assault that "attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indolence. He was also charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, according to a criminal complaint filed on Feb. 5.
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The 18-year-old reportedly was at a bar with friends and family after the team’s outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State, FOX News noted, citing Onward State. During the incident, he allegedly assaulted an individual, leaving the victim with a broken jaw.
FOX News reported that McKenna was arraigned on the charges and released on $20,000 unsecured bail. The 18-year-old has a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 11 at Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Penn.
Penn State statement on McKenna incident
What they're saying:
FOX News obtained a statement from a Penn State official who said "We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment."
Who is Gavin McKenna?
The backstory:
Gavin McKenna is a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, viewed by many analysts as a projected first overall pick for the 2026 NHL.
He’s played 24 games with the Penn State Nittany Lions and played the past three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League.
McKenna has a total of 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games last season with the Tigers before transitioning to NCAA hockey with Penn State.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by a criminal complaint detailing the charges against McKenna and FOX News. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.