2026 projected top pick Gavin McKenna faces felony aggravated assault charges and up to 20 years in prison

The news has just dropped like a bombshell on social media. It has just been reported that Penn State men’s hockey forward, and projected top pick for the upcoming NHL Draft this summer, Gavin McKenna was charged following an alleged altercation in downtown State College late Saturday night. The Nittany Lions lost to Michigan State 5-4 in overtime. The incident occurred along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, with a report filed at 10:35 p.m.

The police report was obtained by Evan Smith of WKPS Radio.

More details are pouring in with the incident said to have taken place at Doggie’s Pub, where the Penn State men’s hockey players went after the game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium, with underage players being given wristbands disallowing them to drink. Some say McKenna slipped it off to acquire drinks, and was asked to leave the premises.

It is believed that McKenna broke the jaw of an individual who was chirping him after he was asked to leave Doggies Pub Saturday night.

State College police charged McKenna, 18, 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 faces up to 20 years in prison on the felony charge alone.

McKenna has been considered a potential first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He has put up 32 points this season, recording 11 goals and 21 assists, and scored against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium prior to the alleged incident. McKenna is the youngest player on Penn State, having turned 18 just prior to representing Canada at the 2026 World Juniors. He has represented Canada internationally on a number of occasions, including at back-to-back World Junior Hockey Championships. He committed to Penn State following three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers.

The Penn State Athletics has been asked to comment when reached by several media outlets, and later on Wednesday, they offered this statement:

"We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment."

The NHL is aware of the charges against top prospect Gavin McKenna but offers no comment, per Greg Wyshynski.

This certainly adds a new wrinkle to scouting the 2026 draft class...

More to come as this story develops.