Penn State announced that prosecutors have dropped the most serious assault charge against Gavin McKenna, the freshman center who’s considered a likely top pick in this year’s NHL draft.
The Centre County District Attorney’s office said Friday that aggravated assault would have required proof McKenna acted with intention to cause serious injury or showed extreme indifference to human life. McKenna was accused of injuring a man during an altercation last weekend.
Bernie Cantorna, the Centre County District Attorney, said subsequent investigation showed different injuries than initially reported.
The police complaint alleged the victim sustained injuries to both sides of his jaw and was missing a tooth. But Cantorna said investigation revealed two fractures to the same side of his jaw and no teeth were knocked out.
The victim is recovering from surgery.
McKenna, 18, is from Whitehorse, Yukon. The incident occurred hours after Penn State lost to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.
Cantorna said video evidence led him and police to drop the felony charge.
McKenna remains charged with misdemeanor simple assault, along with harassment and disorderly conduct. The preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for March 11.
A phone message seeking comment was left Friday for McKenna’s lawyer, Jason Dunkle.
NCAA Rule Change Impact
McKenna decided to play for Penn State after the NCAA lifted its ban on Canadian Hockey League players competing at the Division I level.
A name, image and likeness deal with the Nittany Lions helped draw McKenna to join the program.
The freshman center has been one of the most closely watched prospects in college hockey this season due to his expected high draft position in the upcoming NHL draft.
