Gavin McKenna is facing felony charges for aggravated assault for an incident that occurred on the night of Jan. 31, following Penn State’s marquee game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium in front of a 74,575 home crowd. Along with a felony charge of aggravated assault, McKenna was also charged with one misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.
The incident took place following the Penn State hockey team’s postgame gathering at Doggies Pub at 108 South Pugh St. According to reports, McKenna punched a fan who was heckling him outside the bar.
There are allegations against the probable 2026 NHL No.1 Draft Pick that the team was asked to leave the pub after a few of the members slipped their non-alcoholic wrist tags. On their way out, this fan chirped at McKenna and allegedly insulted his mother, who was there at the venue. The Penn State forward allegedly punched him and knocked the individual out, resulting in a broken jaw, as per a report by Onward State.
The felony charge, which could lead to 20 years in prison if proven, was described as “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference.” Besides prison time, the state’s laws also impose a fine of upto $25,000. The amount for McKenna’s unsecured bail was set at $20,000. The Canadian citizen could also face deportation. His first court hearing is set to take place at Centre County Magisterial District Judge Casey M. McClain on Feb. 11.
Penn State Releases Statement After Gavin McKenna’s Legal Trouble
Following widespread reporting of McKenna’s incident on Wednesday, the Penn State Nittany Lions hockey team put out a statement through its associate director for communications saying:
“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”
McKenna chose to switch to Penn State at the start of the 2025-26 hockey collegiate season, the first in which Canadian Hockey League players were allowed to play for NCAA teams. The change comes after the previous rules of CHL players being professionals were discarded.
He switched from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, signing a $700,000 NIL deal. In 24 games played so far, he has scored 32 points, with Penn State recording 18 wins in 22 games this season.
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