Penn State hockey standout Gavin McKenna, the projected top pick in the 2026 NHL draft, has seen his most serious legal charge dismissed. The Centre County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that it will drop the felony aggravated assault charge stemming from an altercation on January 31. This decision follows a review of video evidence from the scene, which did not support the felony-level intent required under Pennsylvania law.
Prosecutors confirmed that misdemeanor simple assault and two summary charges for disorderly conduct will proceed, given the victim’s injuries. McKenna, 18, faces a preliminary hearing on February 11. The NHL has acknowledged awareness of the situation but declined further comment, as McKenna is not yet a league player.
The altercation after Beaver Stadium game
The incident unfolded on January 31, the same day Penn State hosted Michigan State in a record-setting outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, drawing 74,575 fans. McKenna and his group attended a post-game event at Doggie’s Pub in State College.
According to the police complaint, an exchange of words escalated between the victim’s group and McKenna’s companions. McKenna allegedly punched the victim twice on the right side of his face.
The victim reportedly suffered fractures to both sides of his jaw, requiring surgery, and lost a tooth. A police follow-up clarified the injuries as two fractures on one side of the jaw, with no missing tooth confirmed. The victim underwent surgery and is recovering.
This outdoor game highlighted Penn State’s rising profile in college hockey, but the off-ice drama quickly overshadowed the event for McKenna.
State College police investigated promptly, leading to charges filed shortly after.
Initial charges and potential consequences
McKenna faced four counts initially: first-degree felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct involving harassment and fighting.
Under Pennsylvania law, felony aggravated assault carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. It requires proof of intent to cause serious bodily injury or reckless action showing extreme indifference to human life.
- Felony aggravated assault: Attempts serious injury or causes it recklessly.
- Misdemeanor simple assault: Bodily injury to another.
- Summary disorderly conduct: Harassment and engaging in a fight.
These charges disrupted McKenna’s season and drew national attention to the young star.
Penn State’s men’s hockey program declined comment on the ongoing legal matter.
The rapid filing underscored the seriousness alleged at the time.
District attorney’s review and decision
The DA’s office, led by Bernie Cantorna, reviewed pub and street camera footage alongside State College police. They concluded the evidence did not support felony probable cause.
“Based on a review of video footage… both the District Attorney’s Office and the State College Police Department do not believe that a charge of Aggravated Assault is supported by the evidence,” the office stated.
They also corrected the injury record, aligning with police updates. The felony count is withdrawn accordingly.
This mirrors similar cases where video evidence downgrades charges in bar altercations.
Local outlets like StateCollege.com detailed the DA’s media release.
Prosecution continues on lesser charges tied to the victim’s serious injuries.
Gavin McKenna’s rise in college hockey
McKenna, a high-scoring Canadian winger, made waves by leaving junior hockey for Penn State. In 2024, the NCAA allowed CHL players to join Division I teams, ending a long-standing barrier.
He was among the first to jump, securing name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals worth around $700,000 annually, per sources.
This move stunned the hockey world, positioning him as the consensus No. 1 pick for June’s NHL draft.
At Penn State, McKenna has excelled, contributing to the program’s outdoor game spectacle.
His talent draws comparisons to elite prospects, blending skill with physicality.
For more on his draft stock, check ESPN’s coverage here.
Remaining legal proceedings and hockey focus
McKenna’s preliminary hearing is set for February 11, where misdemeanor and summary charges will be addressed.
Simple assault could result in fines or probation, far less severe than the dropped felony.
Penn State urges focus on hockey amid the legal process.
The NHL monitors but stays silent pre-draft.
Fan reactions on platforms like Reddit highlight relief over the downgrade.
McKenna’s camp has not issued a statement.
Implications for McKenna’s draft prospects
Dropping the felony eases major concerns for NHL teams evaluating character.
Still, any conviction could prompt questions during interviews.
His on-ice performance remains key, with scouts prioritizing talent.
Historical precedents show off-ice incidents rarely derail top talents if resolved.
Penn State’s program benefits from the NIL era, attracting stars like McKenna.
The 2026 draft class gains clarity with this resolution.
While the cloud of serious charges has lifted, McKenna must navigate the remaining case carefully. A strong finish to his college season could solidify his status as the top pick. Hockey fans will watch closely as legal matters unfold alongside his pursuit of NHL dreams.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.