Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old top prospect for the 2026 National Hockey League draft, was arrested on felony assault charges Wednesday, Pennsylvania court documents show.
McKenna is facing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after an altercation in State College, Pennsylvania, according to the criminal complaint filed on the matter.
McKenna, who is from Canada, is aforward on the Penn State men's hockey team, and isranked number one in the NHL's 2026 draft prospects. The NHL draft is set to take place in June, once the current season is over.
The hockey star was arraigned on Wednesday and was released on $20,000 bail,Pennsylvania court documents show.
According to thecriminal complaint, street cameras captured McKenna punching the victim twice on the right side of his face after "an exchange of words" between the group of people McKenna was with and the victim's group.
The assault took place after McKenna left a nearby bar, the criminal complaint said.
The victim lost a tooth and sustained fractures to both sides of his jaw, the criminal complaint said. The victim underwent surgery to repair his jaw on Monday and now must keep his jaw wired shut for about two weeks.
Penn State said in a statement that it is aware of the charges but did not provide further comment.
It remains unclear what McKenna's fate within the NHL draft will be.
NBC News made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach McKenna or a representative for him.
