Projected No. 1 NHL draft pick Gavin McKenna charged with felony assault

Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault following an alleged altercation in Pennsylvania, according to court records.

McKenna, 18, who plays for Penn State Nittany Lions, faces a first-degree felony aggravated assault charge, a misdemeanour simple assault charge and two summary counts of disorderly conduct.

Under Pennsylvania law, a first-degree felony aggravated assault conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

What police allege

The charges stem from an incident that allegedly took place around 8:45 pm on January 31 in State College, Pennsylvania. Police say McKenna struck a 21-year-old man in the face, causing injuries that required surgery.

Court records show McKenna was arraigned and released on $20,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.

Timing raises stakes

The alleged incident occurred on the same day Penn State hosted a high-profile NCAA outdoor hockey game at Beaver Stadium, which drew more than 74,000 fans. McKenna recorded a goal and two assists in that game, though Penn State lost 5-4 in overtime to Michigan State.

This season, McKenna has posted 32 points, including 11 goals and 21 assists, in 24 games.

Draft status and reaction

McKenna is widely viewed as the consensus top pick in the upcoming NHL draft and is ranked first among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

The National Hockey League said it is aware of the charges but declined to comment, noting that McKenna is not currently an NHL player.

Penn State also acknowledged the charges in a brief statement, saying it would not comment further due to the ongoing legal process.

Why McKenna’s case is drawing attention

McKenna made headlines last year after leaving Canadian junior hockey to join Penn State following a rule change that allowed Canadian junior players to compete in NCAA Division I hockey.

He was among the first elite prospects to take advantage of the shift, with his name, image and likeness earnings reportedly valued at around $700,000.