Mark Pavelich, a member of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team “Miracle on Ice”, was found dead at a treatment facility in central Minnesota.
The 63-year-old man died at Eagle’s Healing Nest, where he was receiving mental health treatment, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Pavelich was under civil prison for assaulting his neighbor with a three-meter-long metal pipe in August 2019.
The emergency police were called to Pavelich’s home at around 8:30 am on Thursday after a reported death. Nobody had seen the ex-NHLer since 8 pm the day before.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Pavelich starred in the United States national team at Lake Placid, receiving an assist for the goal from Mike Eruzione, who won the clash with the vaunted Russian team. The Americans beat Finland for the gold medal.
“We are sad to hear about the death of gold medalist in the 1980 Olympics, Mark Pavelich,” tweeted USA Hockey. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. “Forever part of the history of hockey”.
The six-foot-tall Minnesota native began a seven-year career in the NHL that began in 1981, including spells at Rangers, Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks.
“The New York Rangers are sad to hear about the death of Mark Pavelich,” said the Rangers in a statement. “His determination, passion and dazzling playmaking skills earned him the adoration of Rangers fans during his five years in New York. Mark helped to inspire a nation through the integral role he played on the ‘Miracle on Ice’ team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Our thoughts are with Mark’s loved ones during this difficult time. “