Former Wrangler accused of assaulting girl takes deal
A former National Hockey League player and Las Vegas Wrangler pleaded guilty Thursday to charges related to molesting a girl under 14 years of age over a four-year period.
Michael McBain, who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1997 to 1999 and for the Wranglers from 2003 to 2008, took a deal from prosecutors that allowed him to plead guilty to attempted sexual assault and attempted lewdness with a child.
He was originally charged with nine felonies, which could have netted him 35 years to life in prison.
A sentencing hearing was set for Jan. 30 before District Judge David Barker. McBain faces two to 40 years in prison.
McBain's lawyer, Bob Draskovich, said of his client, "He is extremely remorseful. He doesn't want to cause the claimant any pain and embarrassment."
McBain told hearing master Melisa De La Garza he was "guilty" of the charges. He quickly left the courthouse after the hearing. He remained free on $75,000 bail.
Las Vegas police detailed the case in a six-page arrest report that alleged McBain began sexually assaulting the girl in 2008.
He was arrested July 5 when he turned himself in to police after recovering from a suicide attempt in Oregon, according to the report.
The girl told police McBain began touching her in a sexual manner when she was 12.
After retiring from playing with the Wranglers in 2008, McBain continued on with the team as an assistant coach during the 2008-2009 season.
According to the report, as a coach, McBain noticed the girl had a crush on a Wranglers player.
Police believe McBain created a false email account in the player's name and used it to contact her and send lewd photographs.
A defenseman from British Columbia, Canada, McBain drifted among minor league hockey teams before being drafted by the Lightning in the second round of the 1995 NHL Draft.
He played 64 games in the NHL over two seasons before returning to the minor league circuit and finding a home with the Wranglers.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.
