Gavin McKenna Charged with Felony Assault, Bail Set, Hearing Set for Feb 11
Updated (2 articles)
Felony Assault Charge and Bail Conditions McKenna faces a first‑degree felony aggravated assault charge, plus simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, according to court documents [1][2]. He was arraigned on Feb 5 and released on unsecured bail of $20,000 [1][2]. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb 11 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte [1][2]. Pennsylvania law permits a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for the felony [1].
Bar Incident Occurred After Overtime Loss Police report places the alleged assault at about 8:45 p.m. ET on Jan 31, shortly after Penn State’s 3‑2 overtime defeat to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium [1][2]. McKenna is accused of striking a 21‑year‑old male in the face, injuries that required corrective surgery [1][2]. The victim was transported to a local hospital, and his statement formed the basis of the assault charge [1][2].
McKenna’s On‑Ice Production and Draft Prospects The 18‑year‑old freshman center has logged 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games, totaling 32 points and ranking among the NCAA’s top freshman scorers [1][2]. He added four goals and six assists to Canada’s bronze‑medal finish at the World Junior Championships [1][2]. Scouts view him as a likely first‑overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft [1][2]. His eligibility follows the NCAA’s recent removal of the ban on Canadian Hockey League players [1][2].
Penn State Hockey Program’s Funding and NIL Deal The Nittany Lions’ hockey program launched in 2013 after alumnus Terry Pegula contributed more than $100 million, funding the Pegula Ice Arena and both men’s and women’s teams [2]. McKenna signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement that helped attract him to Penn State [2]. The article emphasizes the program’s financial resources as a key factor in recruiting elite prospects [2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Charged with Felony Assault: Details the felony aggravated assault charge, bail, preliminary hearing, and outlines the Jan 31 bar incident after Penn State’s loss, citing court documents .
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2.
Newsweek: Gavin McKenna Charged with Felony Assault After Bar Altercation: Highlights the same charges and timing, adds context on McKenna’s scoring stats, NCAA rule change, Terry Pegula’s $100 million donation, and his NIL deal .
Timeline
2013 – Alumni Terry Pegula donates more than $100 million, launching Penn State’s men’s and women’s hockey programs and the Pegula Ice Arena, a foundation that later attracts elite prospects like McKenna [2].
2025 – The NCAA lifts its ban on Canadian Hockey League players, opening the path for top junior talent to join college hockey; McKenna leaves Medicine Hat and enrolls at Penn State as a freshman [2].
2025 – McKenna helps Canada win bronze at the World Junior Championships, posting four goals and six assists for ten points and boosting his draft stock [2].
2025 – While with Medicine Hat, McKenna amasses 91 goals, 198 assists and a 45‑game point streak over two seasons, establishing his reputation as a generational scorer [2].
Jan 31, 2026 – After Penn State falls 6‑5 in overtime to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, McKenna is involved in a bar altercation at about 8:45 p.m.; police say “McKenna struck a 21‑year‑old male in the face,” causing injuries that require corrective surgery [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – State College authorities charge McKenna with felony aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct; he is arraigned and released on unsecured bail of $20,000 [1][2].
Feb 11, 2026 – A preliminary hearing is scheduled at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte; Pennsylvania law permits up to 20 years imprisonment for the first‑degree felony charge [1].
June 2026 – McKenna is projected as the likely first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a pivotal moment for his professional future despite pending legal proceedings [1][2].