Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1361863
18 // APRIL 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O F F T HE D R AW O N THE ICE, Mark Pavelich was a dynamic playmaker who let his game do his talking. Away from the rink, he was quiet and unassuming, more at home in the woods or on the shore of a secluded lake than he was in the spotlight that came with being a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team. Just days after his 63rd birthday, Pavelich passed away at a treat- ment center for mental illness in Sauk Centre, Minn. To those who knew him, he was loyal, funny and humble. From his early days starring with Eveleth High School, through his three seasons with the University of Minnesota Duluth in Minnesota, his time with the Olympic team and his short but impactful career in the NHL, his hockey resume was pure gold. Just like the Olympic medal that hung around his neck. But more than the medals, Pavelich will be remembered for the person he was off the ice as well as the player he was on it. "Having played at UMD and growing up here in Eveleth, he's part of a long tradition. And he won't be forgotten because he's probably one of the best that ever came out of here." –Doug Palazzari, executive director of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum "Pav was the kind of guy who would score two goals and three assists and not say anything about it. He lived to hunt and fish and play his guitar and play hockey. When I talked to him, there was nothing different about him. Not a thing. Same old Pav." –Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team "As a kid growing up in Hibbing, I used to go to the arena and hang out with gear in hand waiting to see if I could skate with the teams that rented the ice. Mark Pavelich always let me join with the Eveleth guys. He taught me so much about the game." –Pat Micheletti, former NHL player "Pav was a wonderful man and a true thoughtful and gentle soul. I'll only speak for myself and say that I am really heartbroken at the news. Rest In Peace buddy." –Jack O'Callahan, 1980 U.S. Olympic teammate PHOTOS BY USA Hockey Magazine Archives; Nancie Battaglia Pavelich's Actions Spoke Louder Than His Words Teammates And Friends Alike Mourn The Passing Of A Reluctant Star M A R K P A V E L I C H • 1 9 5 8 - 2 0 2 1 k Mark Pavelich (right), rarely attended gatherings with his 1980 teammates but always enjoyed their company.