Former Rangers star and 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympian Mark Pavelich on Monday was reportedly deemed unfit to stand trial on charges stemming from an alleged brutal August assault on his neighbor.
The decision was handed down in First District Court in Grand Marais, Minnesota by Judge Michael Cuzzo, who ordered the suspension of Pavelich’s pending trial, according to The Duluth News Tribune.
“He lacks the ability to rationally consult with counsel, is incapable of understanding the proceedings, and is incapable of participating in the defense due to mental illness or deficiency,” Cuzzo said.
Pavelich was arrested on Aug. 20 and charged with felony assault for allegedly beating his neighbor him with a metal pole, breaking several bones, after a day of fishing together.
The former center told cops he thought his neighbor “spiked” his beer, leading to the alleged attack.
Following the arrest, Pavelich underwent a court ordered competency hearing that determined the ex-NHL player was likely suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and an unspecified neurocognitive disorder, the report said, citing Cuzzo’s order.
With Monday’s ruling, Pavelich’s charges will be dropped in three years, unless prosecutors decide to retry to case.
Pavelich played for the US Men’s Hockey team at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
The US squad that year upset the heavily favored Soviet Union in what became known as the “Miracle on Ice” game — and then went on to win the Gold medal.
The next year Pavelich joined the NHL, playing for the Rangers, where he tallied 318 points over five seasons with the Blueshirts.
With Post wires