Yukon-born hockey prospect Gavin McKenna, known for his promising career in the NHL draft, is facing legal trouble after an altercation in State College, Penn. McKenna, aged 18, has been charged with felony aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct following an incident near the main campus of Pennsylvania State University.
According to the State College Police Department, McKenna allegedly struck a 21-year-old man in the face during the altercation on January 31, resulting in facial injuries that required corrective surgery. The incident occurred as McKenna was leaving a bar event following a Penn State hockey game with a group of individuals, where an exchange of words escalated into physical violence.
Despite his hockey prospects, McKenna’s future is now uncertain as legal proceedings unfold. TSN hockey analyst Craig Button commented on the situation, noting that while these allegations are uncharacteristic of McKenna, it is important to await the outcome of the investigation before speculating on the impact it may have on his career.
McKenna, who is currently playing college hockey with the Penn State Nittany Lions, declined to comment when contacted by a CBC reporter, and a spokesperson for Penn State also refrained from making any statements regarding the incident. The dropping of the felony aggravated assault charge against McKenna on February 6, 2026, marks a significant development in this ongoing legal matter.
