By The Canadian Press

Sports

2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna facing assault charges

Feb 4, 2026 | 4:09 PM

STATE COLLEGE — Gavin McKenna, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, is facing assault charges.

McKenna, a freshman at Penn State, has been charged with aggravated assault by police in State College, Pa.

He’s also charged with misdemeanour simple assault, disorderly conduct, engaging in fighting and harassment.

The incident date listed in the filing is Jan. 31. The criminal complaint was filed Wednesday by State College Police.

Court records show the case is awaiting a preliminary hearing, with no disposition entered.

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McKenna, 18, of Whitehorse, Yukon, spent three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers before committing to Penn State.

This season, McKenna has 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games with the Nittany Lions.

McKenna has twice played at the world junior hockey championship and helped Canada win bronze last month in Minneapolis-St. Paul, finishing second in tournament scoring with 14 points in seven games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press