PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Penn State's star hockey player — and a top prospect in this June's NHL draft — has been charged with felony aggravated assault.
Court documents said Canada native and PSU freshman Gavin McKenna also faces a simple assault misdemeanor and two summary charges.
The date listed on the criminal complaint is Jan. 31, which is the same day Penn State hosted Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.
Witnesses told police that McKenna punched their friend outside a State College parking garage, according to the affidavit. State College cameras reportedly caught McKenna throwing two punches at the victim's face, causing him to stumble backwards. He was also captured on video leaving a nearby bar at some point before the incident.
The victim was later treated for a fractured jaw.
If convicted of the felony, McKenna would face up to 20 years in prison.
Many experts have projected McKenna as the number one overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. He has 11 goals and 21 assists across 24 games this year for the Nittany Lions.
A spokesperson for Penn State's hockey program said, "We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment."