Top NHL Draft Prospect Gavin McKenna Charged With Aggravated Assault in US

Yukon native and top prospect for this June’s upcoming NHL draft Gavin McKenna has been charged with aggravated assault following an alleged incident on Jan. 31, according to U.S. authorities.

McKenna, 18, had a criminal complaint filed against him Feb. 4 and was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault and several other counts by the State College Police Department in State College, Pennsylvania, which is located about a three hours’ drive northwest of Philadelphia.

McKenna has played as a star left winger for the Penn State Nittany Lions NCAA hockey team since leaving the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League to attend the university last year.

In addition to first-degree felony aggravated assault, McKenna is charged with misdemeanour simple assault and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly engaging in a fight and harassment, according to a charge sheet from the Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court.

In Pennsylvania, conviction for first-degree felony aggravated assault carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.

McKenna was awaiting his preliminary hearing as of Feb. 4.

The alleged incident that led to the charges filed against McKenna occurred following Penn State’s 5–4 overtime loss to second-ranked Michigan State at an outdoor game set up in the university’s Beaver Stadium. McKenna netted a goal and two assists in the game.

Further details of the alleged incident that led to the charges were not immediately available, nor did McKenna’s representatives provide comment to media.

McKenna is from Whitehorse, Yukon, and last month was ranked as the top skater in North America eligible for the NHL draft by NHL Central Scouting, while fellow left-winger Ivar Stenberg of the Swedish Hockey League was ranked as the best international skater.

He also drew attention recently at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in late December and early January in Minnesota, where he had four goals and 10 assists while helping Canada win a bronze medal.

McKenna has already racked up 11 goals and 21 assists in the 24 games so far this season with Penn State. He opted to attend college at Penn State and play for the Nittany Lions after the NCAA removed its long-time ban on Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players taking part in NCAA Division I hockey. The change went into effect in August of last year for any players not paid beyond necessary living expenses during their time with the CHL.

The NCAA previously categorized CHL players as professional athletes due to stipends they received, which made them fail to qualify as college amateur players.

The Nittany Lions’ current hockey team roster lists 26 players, 15 of whom are American, 10 of whom are Canadian, and one of which is Swedish.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.