A rising ice hockey star predicted to be the top draft pick for the National Hockey League has been charged with felony assault and harassment by authorities in the US state of Pennsylvania.
Gavin McKenna, a Canadian national, was arraigned on Wednesday in State College, a municipality that's home to Penn State University, where he is a student and hockey team forward.
The 18-year-old is charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanour simple assault, and two summary counts of harassment and disorderly conduct for engaging in fighting according to court documents obtained by the BBC.
He posted a $20,000 (£14,770) bail and was released from custody.
Local authorities allege that on 31 January, McKenna punched a 21-year-old man in the face, causing injuries that required corrective surgery.
If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of several years and thousands of dollars in fines.
In a statement to media, Penn State Athletics said they are aware of the filed charges but will not comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
The alleged assault took place the same day that Penn State's hockey team, the Nittany Lions, narrowly lost to Michigan State 5-4. McKenna scored one of those goals for Penn State and has been a top performer for the team this season.
He has been billed as a top talent in the hockey world, with experts predicting his name would be called first in the 2026 NHL Draft in June in Buffalo, New York.
Just last month, McKenna helped steer Canada to a bronze medal in the World Junior Championships.
His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for 11 February in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
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