Penn State's Gavin McKenna (72) skates against Arizona State during an NCAA college hockey game on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna was charged following an alleged altercation late Saturday night, according to Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court documents.

The incident occurred along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, with a report filed at 10:35 p.m.

State College police charged McKenna, 18, with felony aggravated assault that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” misdemeanor simple assault and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.

If found guilty, McKenna could face up to 20 years in prison on the felony charge.

According to sources of Onward State, which broke the story, the team had been at a downtown bar with friends and family following the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.

During the incident, McKenna allegedly assaulted an unidentified individual, leaving the victim with a broken jaw.

McKenna is considered a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He has recorded 32 points this season, tallying 11 goals and 21 assists, and scored against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Athletics issued a statement Wednesday evening, saying, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”

Pens’ Jones suspended

NEW YORK — The NHL suspended injured Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones for 20 games on Wednesday for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Jones, 28, is in his first season with the Penguins. The club placed him on injured reserve in late October with a foot injury, then assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He played one game for Wilkes-Barre in January before sustaining an upper-body injury.

Jones said through a statement released by the NHL Players Association that he believes he was exposed to a contaminated substance while undergoing exosome therapy from an outside provider.

“While I did not use the prohibited substance intentionally or for performance enhancement, I understand that players are responsible for everything that enters their body and accept the discipline imposed by the program,” Jones said. “I’m sorry to have let down my teammates, the Penguins organization, and our fans.”

Jones, the younger brother of Panthers defenseman Seth Jones, had one point in seven games with the Penguins in October after signing a two-year deal with Pittsburgh last summer.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said the club “appreciates” Jones’ transparency and that Jones will follow all NHL and NHLPA protocols during the suspension. Dubas added that Jones has the “full support” of the organization.

Elsewhere:

– The Los Angeles Kings acquired high-scoring left wing Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on Wednesday for a conditional third-round draft pick and prospect Liam Greentree. The Kings then signed Panarin to a two-year, $22 million contract that will keep the Russian forward in Los Angeles through the 2027-28 season.

– The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Nick Bjugstad in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. They sent a conditional fourth-round pick and minor-leaguer Thomas Bordeleau for Bjugstad.