Felony assault charges against Gavin McKenna withdrawn by prosecutors
According to reports, top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna is no longer facing felony assault charges.
On Friday, prosecutors in Centre County stated that they have withdrawn the felony aggravated assault charge against Penn State University hockey star. McKenna was arraigned earlier this week following an alleged incident outside Doggie’s Pub in downtown State College.
McKenna still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, along with summary offenses of harassment and disorderly conduct.
Per police reports, McKenna is accused of punching another male twice in the face, leaving multiple jaw fractures that required surgery. However, upon further review, prosecutors believed that the 18-year-old “did not act with the intent to cause serious bodily harm nor did he recklessly act with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
The incident occurred the evening after Penn State fell to Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium in State College.
The Whitehorse, Yukon native is widely regarded as a top-five pick in this year’s draft. While he’s the youngest player on the Nittany Lions’ roster, McKenna is slowly finding his footing in the college game, solidifying Penn State as one of the top teams in the country.
McKenna, currently ranked second in Daily Faceoff’s latest prospect rankings, has 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 24 games with Penn State thus far. He notched a goal and two assists in the outdoor game, marking the third time he has potted three points in a game in six games. McKenna was tossed from Friday’s meeting with Michigan State after cross-checking former Medicine Hat Tigers teammate Cayden Lindstrom. It was part of a melee that also saw Lindstrom and Colin Ralph ejected from Michigan State’s victory.
Before joining the college ranks, McKenna was named the CHL player of the year for an incredible 2024-25 campaign. In 56 games, he registered 129 points. On top of that, he won the gold medal at the 2024 U-18 World Championship and was one of the top scorers at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship earlier this season, as McKenna helped Canada take home the bronze.