Penn State men's hockey forward Gavin McKenna faced four charges, including a felony of aggravated assault following an altercation he had on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Penn State hockey looks at silver-lining after disappointing weekend
McKenna was charged on Wednesday, Feb. 4 with felony aggravated assault and other counts, according to ESPN's report based on Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court documents. He faces a first-degree felony aggravated assault charge on consensus that he attempted "to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference." The maximum penalty for this felony is 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
The Nittany Lion was also charged with misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and engaging in a fight.
“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment,” Penn State athletics spokesperson commented, per Onward State on Feb. 4.
According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, police reported that around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, McKenna struck a 21-year-old male in the face. The individual sustained injuries that require surgery. Following the altercation, McKenna was arraigned on charges and released on a $20,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Centre County Courthouse.
The altercation occurred following Penn State hockey's outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions in overtime, 5-4.
McKenna scored in the second period of this game, tying it at 2-2. He also tallied two assists on both of Aiden Fink's goals in the second period. Including Saturday's contest, McKenna logged 11 goals, 21 assists and two blocks over 24 games. He has three power play goals and one game-winner on the season.
The young forward was projected to be the 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 overall selection before the 2025-26 season started. He joined Penn State's squad from the Canadian Hockey League as a result of the NCAA's rule changes for CHL players. McKenna's NIL deal is reportedly around $700,000 to play for the Nittany Lions.
The NHL was also not available to comment on McKenna's legal matter as he is not currently playing in the league.