A first-degree felony aggravated assault charge against Penn State men’s hockey star Gavin McKenna on Friday was dropped, according to a press release from the Centre County District Attorney’s office.
The felony charge, a misdemeanor simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct were filed against McKenna on Wednesday in conjunction with a Saturday night incident in which police said McKenna, 18, punched a 21-year-old man in the face.
The statement said the District Attorney’s Office and the State College Police Department reviewed video from the incident, and concluded McKenna did not act “with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life.”
The District Attorney’s office said prosecution will continue against McKenna’s other charges.
McKenna was arraigned Saturday after State College police were dispatched to the Mount Nittany Medical Center for a person who was attacked downtown.
The incident took place around 8:45 p.m. along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, near the Pugh Street parking garage, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Investigators said McKenna punched the 21-year-old in the face twice following an exchange between two groups.
The victim’s friends told police they recognized McKenna because of his role on Penn State’s men’s hockey team.
The friends also told police they suspected McKenna came from Doggie’s Pub, where the university’s hockey team hosted an event following a 5-4 overtime loss to Michigan State that night.
Police reviewed camera footage from the area, which showed McKenna punching the victim in the face twice.
Footage also captured McKenna walking out of Doggie’s Pub just before the assault took place. Doggie’s Pub is a few hundred feet from where the attack happened.
The victim was originally believed to have suffered fractures on both sides of his jaw. However, the District Attorney’s statement said follow-up review found the victim suffered two fractures to one side of his jaw. He was also not missing a tooth, contrary to the initial report.
Police said the victim was in “substantial” pain and could barely speak.
On Feb. 2, the 21-year-old underwent surgery on his jaw, which will require it to be wired shut for two weeks.
A Penn State spokesperson gave the following comment when the charges were filed on Wednesday:
“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”
McKenna is widely considered to be the top prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Canadian native has tallied 11 goals and 21 assists for Penn State this season, including a point in Saturday’s game.
McKenna decided to play for Penn State after the NCAA lifted its ban on Canadian Hockey League players competing at the Division I level.