GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — A former professional hockey player and forward for the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic team has been charged with felony assault for allegedly beating his neighbor with a metal pole, breaking several bones.
Mark Pavelich, 61, faces multiple counts. According to a criminal complaint, the assault happened last week in Pavelich’s home in northern Minnesota after he and his neighbor returned from fishing.
The complaint says Pavelich told authorities he believed the man “spiked” his beer, prompting the alleged assault. KMSP-TV reports the victim had a bruised kidney and several broken bones including two cracked ribs and a fractured vertebra. First responders found him in “shock” with “obvious disfigurement of his leg.”
Pavelich played for the Rangers, North Stars and Sharks during a seven-year NHL career. The center totaled 318 points over five seasons on Broadway, where he started his NHL career in 1981.
A judge ordered a competency hearing for Pavelich.
Online records don’t list an attorney to comment on Pavelich’s behalf.