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1980 Olympic Games: Mark Pavelich was one of the key players on the US team
Photo:
Bruce Bennett
American ice hockey is mourning one of its heroes: Mark Pavelich, a member of the US team that sensationally won Olympic gold in Lake Placid in 1980, died on Thursday in a psychiatric facility at the age of 63.
"We are very sad to hear that 1980 Olympic champion Mark Pavelich has died," said USA Hockey in a statement on Friday. "He is forever a part of ice hockey history."
In the so-called "Miracle on Ice", Pavelich was one of the key players.
He put on the winning goal of Mike Eruzione on February 22, 1980 in the 4-3 triumph of the college selection against the ice hockey superpower USSR.
A few days later, the USA secured the Olympic gold medal with a 4-2 victory in the final over Finland.
In the professional league NHL Pavelich played a total of 355 games on the position of the center, came to 137 goals and 192 assists.
He also played in Switzerland for Lugano and in Italy, where he became champion with Bozen in 1988.
Pavelich had been in psychiatric treatment since the summer of 2020 after being charged with assault.
He had seriously injured a neighbor.
His family and friends said Pavelich was confused and paranoid.
His wife died in an accident at home in 2012.
A few years ago he sold his Olympic gold medal for more than $ 250,000.
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