"Miracle on Ice" player Mark Pavelich is facing assault charges ©Getty Images

Mark Pavelich, a member of the famous United States ice hockey team which masterminded the "Miracle on Ice", is facing assault charges after reportedly attacking a neighbour with a metal pole.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that the 61-year-old remains in custody following the alleged incident in Minnesota.

According to the criminal complaint, Pavelich attacked a man with a "metal tension bar" after a fishing trip.

He reportedly believed that the man had spiked his beer with the alleged victim said to have suffered two cracked ribs, a bruised kidney and fractured vertebrae.

Pavelich's sister Jean Grevik told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the family believes he has CTS, a neurodegenerative disease linked to sustained head impact in combat sports.

The Duluth News Tribune reported that Judge Michael Cuzzo said there was "reason to doubt" Pavelich's competency and had ordered a mental health assessment. 

The victory over the Soviet Union has gone down in US sporting folklore ©Getty Images
The victory over the Soviet Union has gone down in US sporting folklore ©Getty Images

The "Miracle on Ice" is considered as one of the greatest moments in US Olympic history.

At their home 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid, the American team made up of college players defeated four-times gold medal winners the Soviet Union 4-3 in the final group stage.

It allowed the US to claim the gold medal two days later when they overcame Finland 4-2.

Pavelich, a forward, registered two assists against the Soviets, including for Mike Eruzione's winning goal.

According to NBC Sports, he sold his Olympic gold medal for $250,000 (£205,000/€225,000) in 2014 to provide for his daughter.