Who Is Gavin McKenna Dating? Penn State Hockey Star’s Personal Life and Legal Troubles Explained

Penn State hockey standout Gavin McKenna, widely regarded as a “generational talent,” has recently found himself under intense scrutiny, not for his on-ice performance, but due to a late-night legal incident. Initially projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna’s promising trajectory took a hit when he was arrested following an alleged altercation in downtown State College, Pennsylvania.

“With increasing interest in Gavin McKenna’s game and the new legal case, netizens are curious about whether he is in a relationship. But there is no confirmed information that the freshman forward is dating. Gavin has deliberately kept his private life out of the public eye since arriving at Penn State.”

Despite social media speculation linking him to Jordan Blouin, a Syracuse University hockey player, there has been no confirmation from either party. The rumors reportedly started in July 2025 via a post from a Calgary sports journalist amidst McKenna’s rising NHL draft chatter.

Regarding the legal matter, State College Police report that on the early morning of January 31, 2026, Gavin McKenna was involved in a confrontation on the 100 block of South Pugh Street after participating in an outdoor hockey event at Beaver Stadium. He allegedly struck a 21-year-old man in the face, resulting in injuries requiring corrective surgery. McKenna now faces four charges, including felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and summary counts of disorderly conduct and harassment.

“If Gavin is found guilty of the first charge of felony aggravated assault, he could face up to 20 years in prison, leaving his career in uncertainty.” He has been released on USD 20,000 unsecured bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 11 at the Centre County Courthouse.

Off the ice, McKenna has made history as a citizen of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation from Whitehorse, Yukon. He set records with the Medicine Hat Tigers, including a 54-game point streak, and joined Penn State in July 2025 following a landmark eligibility rule allowing CHL players into the NCAA. During his first season, he led the Nittany Lions with 32 points in 24 games and recorded his first collegiate hat-trick. Internationally, he has represented Team Canada, breaking records at the 2024 U18 World Championships. Recently, McKenna signed a reported NHL deal worth up to USD 700,000, solidifying his status as one of college hockey’s highest-profile athletes this season.