Mark Pavelich, a member of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team “Miracle on Ice”, was found dead in 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 a civilian employee for assaulting his neighbor with a four-legged metal pipe in August 2019.
Emergency police were called to Pavelich’s residence Thursday around 8:30 a.m. after a reported death. No one had seen the former NHLer since 8:00 the day before.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Pavelich played for the American team from Lake Placid, gathering an assist at the goal of Mike Eruzione, who won in an upset against the Russian team. The Americans continued to beat Finland for the gold medal.
“We are saddened to hear of the death of Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich in 1980,” USA Hockey wrote on Twitter. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. “Forever a part of the history of hockey.”
The 5-and-7-meter Minnesota native continued a seven-year career in the NHL, which began in 1981, including stops with the Rangers, Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks.
“New York Rangers are saddened to learn of Mark Pavelich’s passing,” Rangers said in a statement. “His determination, passion and ability to play blindly brought him the adoration of Rangers fans during his five-year tenure in New York. Mark helped inspire a nation through the full role he played on the Miracle on Ice team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Our thoughts are with Mark’s loved ones at this difficult time. ”