Gavin McKenna, a standout player for the Penn State men's hockey team and the projected number one overall pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, has been charged with serious criminal offences after an incident at a bar over the weekend.
Details of the Charges and Potential Penalties
Court records obtained by the Daily Mail indicate that McKenna faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated assault, specifically for attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference. In addition to this severe charge, he has been charged with misdemeanor simple assault, summary harassment involving physical contact, and summary disorderly conduct for engaging in fighting.
If convicted, McKenna could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for the felony assault charge alone. When combined with the misdemeanor simple assault charge, the total potential sentence rises to 22 years in prison, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Incident Background and Unanswered Questions
According to reports from the student news website Onward State, the altercation occurred at a bar in downtown State College. McKenna was with friends following an outdoor game against Michigan State. The website alleges that McKenna assaulted an unidentified individual, resulting in a broken jaw for the victim.
It remains unclear what sparked the fight between McKenna and the victim, who has not been publicly identified. The Daily Mail has reached out to Penn State athletics for comment on the matter, but no response has been disclosed at this time.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
