Judge deems Miracle on Ice player and former Ranger Mark Pavelich mentally ill, dangerous

A sad development for Mark Pavelich, best known for playing with the United States in the famed Miracle on Ice game against the Soviet Union, as well as five seasons with the New York Rangers. He could be staying in a secure treatment facility indefinitely. A judge has deemed him to be mentally ill and a danger to himself and others, adding he should be committed to an institution dedicated to caring for people with severe mental health issues. A hearing will take place in February to decide whether he should stay in the facility for an undetermined amount of time.

Pavelich’s legal issues stem from an incident in August when he was charged with a felony assault in his home state of Minnesota for allegedly beating a friend with a metal pole, breaking several bones. He accused his friend of spiking his beer. Pavelich, now 61, was found to be not mentally competent enough to stand trial, leading to the hearing regarding his potential indefinite commitment to an institution.

According to USA Today, his family believes he suffers from CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, after repeated concussions from his time in the NHL after playing in the Miracle on Ice game. The claim to have started seeing changes in him a few years ago and that he refused to get any kind of help. His sister described his situation as “heartbreaking.”

In its article, USA Today included the findings of psychologists working with Pavelich, which seem to back up the family’s beliefs.

“One psychologist found Pavelich had delusions and paranoia, including a delusion that those closest to him were trying to poison him. Another psychologist found he suffered from a mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury, likely related to repeated head injuries.”

Pavelich had two assists in the United States' "Miracle on Ice" win over the Soviet Union. It was a medal-round game at the 1980 Winter Olympics where the Soviets were four-time defending gold medalists that year and the U.S. was given little to no chance of winning the game. USA would go on to beat Finland in the gold medal game after downing the Soviet Union 4-3.

After that, Pavelich spent five seasons with the New York Rangers putting up some excellent numbers. He also played 12 games for the Minnesota North Stars. After spending three seasons in Europe, he attempted an NHL comeback with the San Jose Sharks in 1991-92, but it lasted just two games. He ended his NHL career almost a point-per-game player, putting up 329 points (137 goals, 192 assists) in 355 games.