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Prosecutors Drop Felony Charge Against Penn State’s Gavin McKenna After Video Review

Prosecutors said the evidence did not show the intent to cause serious injury required for aggravated assault under Pennsylvania law.

Gavin McKenna during the Penn State Nittany Lions game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium on January 31 in State College, Pennsylvania.
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Gavin McKenna #72 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before an NCAA men's hockey game against the Michigan State Spartans at the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania.
Jan 31, 2026; State College, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) looks to shoot the puck during the first period against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • McKenna still faces a misdemeanor simple assault count and summary charges of harassment and disorderly conduct.
  • Police allege he punched a 21-year-old man twice outside a downtown State College bar on Jan. 31 after Penn State’s outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.
  • The complainant sustained two fractures on one side of the jaw, underwent corrective surgery, and is recovering, with prosecutors correcting earlier reports about a missing tooth.
  • McKenna was arraigned and released on $20,000 unsecured bail, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11 before Judge Casey McClain.
  • Penn State acknowledged the case without further comment, and the 18-year-old freshman remains a consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.