Article from HockeyFeed

The alleged victim is a senior at Penn, 21 years old.. (for ref Mckenna just turned 18)
From various accounts sounds like it was true that McKenna was there with his mom.. (it was after an outdoor stadium game, a special event.. so makes sense) .. if so appears the guy got what he was begging for.

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https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/we-now-know-the-identity -of-gavin-mckennas-alleged-victim We now know the identity of Gavin McKenna's alleged victim This kid sounds like a piece of work.. Trevor Connors Published on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM • Updated on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM UPDATE: We now know the identity of Gavin McKenna's alleged victim thanks to some social media sleuthing from hockey fans on Twitter. Penn State senior Josh Coakley reportedly called McKenna's mother a "wh-re" and would not stop agitating the pair. McKenna reportedly left the scene with his mother to avoid an altercation when Coakley allegedly followed them into the parking lot and continued to antagonize them. That's when McKenna allegedly one-punched Coakley and broke his jaw. All of this comes from a social media account called Powers of PSU, an account that breaks down rumors at Penn State. Check it out: (contents below) Read below for our earlier report on McKenna's arrest, published yesterday by Hockey Feed staff writer Chris Gosselin as events occurred. https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/2026-projected-top-pick- gavin-mckenna-faces-felony-aggravated-assault-and-up-to-20-y ears-in-prison Earlier Wednesday, reports spread online that Gavin McKenna, a forward for Penn State men’s hockey and a projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has been charged following an alleged incident last Saturday in State College, Pennsylvania. State College police say McKenna faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” as well as simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct to “engage in fighting.” If convicted on the felony charge alone, he could face up to 20 years in prison. While details are still emerging, reports indicate that McKenna and his team were at a downtown bar with friends and family following an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. According to social media accounts and alleged witness reports, McKenna allegedly assaulted an unidentified individual, who is 21 years old, leaving him with a broken jaw. Some unverified accounts suggest the altercation stemmed from the individual harassing McKenna’s mother, with McKenna intervening. One alleged witness shared a text claiming the victim suffered a jaw fractured in three places, a concussion, and three missing teeth. These details have not been independently confirmed by police, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile the hashtag Free McKenna has been trending. Later on Wednesday evening, a statement was made by State College (Pa.) police on charges filed against McKenna, explaining how criminal complaint indicates the incident was caught on street cameras with McKenna allegedly punching the victim twice in the face after an “exchange of words.” It also adds that, since this is an active case, no further information will be released at this time. McKenna was released on a $20k unsecured bail and his arraignment will be held on February 11. McKenna has been widely regarded as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. This season, he has recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points and recently scored against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium. At just 18, he is the youngest player on Penn State and has represented Canada internationally, including back-to-back World Junior Championships. He joined Penn State after three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The NHL is reportedly aware of the charges but has declined to comment on the situation. This is the statement from the Penn State men's hockey program to ESPN: "We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment." Fans were also taking a close look at some of McKenna's teammates' comments on his most recent Instagram post.

https://x.com/powers_of_psu/status/2019456988925817266

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Powers_Of_PSU@powers_of_psu Seems as if Mr Coakley intentionally harassed Gavin McKenna’ Mom. In her face/called her a “wh-re.” Gavin had to be restrained inside the restaurant by @PennStateMHKY teammates. The McKenna’s then left the restaurant to avoid the scene when the “victim” followed them into the parking lot. He approached Mrs McKenna when Gavin cold cocked the dude. One punch. 🥊 A classic cash-grab. You are looking to provoke the most famous student/athlete on campus. A future top overall @NHL pick. Loser senior who doesn’t have a job offer plans it all out. Only thing he’s immune from is manual labor. Which he will be doing on the Ridley Borough Crew when he is back living in his parent’ basement. State College Police are a half-notch above the Keystone Cops. They would have called the Kennedy Assassination a “flesh wound.” This joker is laughing at Mt Nittany Hospital like he won the lottery. McKenna was protecting his Mom. Drop these bogus charges.

[Updated on: Fri, 06 February 2026 14:01]

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