Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky confirmed Wednesday that top prospect Gavin McKenna will continue to participate in all athletic activities as he faces a misdemeanour simple assault charge.
Gadowsky spoke to reporters about McKenna's status for the first time since the 18-year-old was charged and confirmed that the forward will continue to play while he goes through the legal process, according to video from StateCollege.com's Joel Haas.
No. 5 Penn State is set to play No. 2 Michigan this weekend.
"It's an ongoing legal thing, so (it is) inappropriate for me to comment on it," Gadowsky added.
McKenna's case stemming from an alleged assault is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 11 in Centre County, Pa.
The alleged assault is reported to have occurred Jan. 31 in State College, Pa., with the victim allegedly being punched and suffering two jaw fractures that required his jaw to be wired shut.
Last week, Pennsylvania’s district attorney’s office said it had withdrawn a previous felony aggravated assault charge against the Whitehorse native.
The felony aggravated assault charge was dropped after the district attorney’s office said Friday there was insufficient evidence, noting investigators determined there was no intent to cause serious bodily injury after reviewing video of the alleged incident.
McKenna, who is also facing harassment and disorderly conduct charges, is widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the upcoming NHL draft, along with Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg and North Dakota defenceman Keaton Verhoeff.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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