Mark Pavelich, a forward on the 1980 U.S. "Miracle on Ice" Olympic hockey team who went on to play for the New York Rangers and two other NHL teams has been charged with assault for allegedly beating a neighbor with a metal pole and breaking several of the man's bones.
Authorities allege that the 61-year-old Pavelich attacked his neighbor last week at Pavelich's home in the small Lake Superior community of Lutsen, Minnesota, after they returned from fishing.
According to the criminal complaint, Pavelich told investigators he believed the man had "spiked" his beer, leading to the alleged attack.
KMSP-TV reports that first responders found the neighbor in shock with "obvious disfigurement of his leg." He also had a bruised kidney, two cracked ribs and a fractured vertebra.
A judge ordered a mental competency hearing for Pavelich, who didn't have an attorney listed in online court records.
Pavelich played five seasons with the Rangers and parts of one season each with the Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks. He also played professionally in Europe.
Information from: KMSP-TV, http://www.myfox9.com