Mark Pavelich

American ice hockey player

Mark Thomas Pavelich (February 28, 1958 – March 4, 2021) was an American professional ice hockey forward. He played 355 regular season games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, and San Jose Sharks between 1981 until 1991.

Mark Pavelich
Born (1958-02-28)February 28, 1958
Eveleth, Minnesota, U.S.
Died March 4, 2021(2021-03-04) (aged 63)
Sauk Centre, Minnesota, U.S.
Height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Position Center
Shot Right
Played for HC Lugano
New York Rangers
Minnesota North Stars
Dundee Rockets
HC Bolzano
San Jose Sharks
National team  United States
NHL Draft Undrafted
Playing career 1980–1991
Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1980 Lake Placid Team competition

Pavelich was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal in what has been called the "Miracle on Ice".

Pavelich was arrested on August 15, 2019, after allegedly assaulting and seriously injuring a neighbor with whom he'd earlier been fishing.[1] He was charged with four felony counts.[2] On December 4, 2019 the court ruled that Pavelich was mentally ill and dangerous and ordered him committed to a secure treatment facility.[3]

It was believed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).[4]

Pavelich died on March 4, 2021, at a residential treatment center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota at the age of 63.[5][6] He is the second member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to die, the first being Bob Suter.[7]

References

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  1. "Mark Pavelich, of 'Miracle on Ice' fame, charged with assaulting neighbor on North Shore". www.twincities.com.
  2. "'Miracle on Ice' player Mark Pavelich found unfit for assault trial". www.twincities.com.
  3. "Judge rules former 'Miracle on Ice' star Mark Pavelich mentally ill, dangerous". www.twincities.com.
  4. Walsh, Paul (August 22, 2019). "Attack on neighbor puts 'Miracle on Ice' skater Mark Pavelich in jail; family suspects CTE behind violence". Star Tribune. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
  5. "Pavelich dies at 63, was on 'Miracle on Ice' 1980 U.S. Olympic team". NHL.com. March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  6. Walsh, Paul (March 5, 2021). "'Miracle' hockey star Mark Pavelich found dead in treatment center". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  7. "Former 'Miracle on Ice' hockey star Mark Pavelich passes away". FOX 9. March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.