Team USA: “Miracle on Ice” Star Mark Wells Has Passed Away

© B Bennett/Getty Images

Ahead of the tournament games this past weekend, Team USA announced that Mark Wells, the center of the gold medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, passed away at age 67. The 1980 team’s remarkable journey to the gold medal, hailed as the “Miracle on Ice” was named the top sports moment of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated.

Mark Wells attended Bowling Green University without a scholarship, where he starred for several years prior to attending the 1980 Olympics. He was selected for the US team after posting 83 points (26 goals) during his final season with the university. Wells lobbied Team USA’s head coach, Herb Brooks, for the final spot on the team and got his shot. He was to defend Valeri Kharlamov, the then Soviet Union’s best player, in a tournament where the United States were the underdogs to the favored Russian team.

Wells played in all seven games at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games, scoring two goals and adding an assist, culminating in that thrilling victory against the Soviet Union. It would be followed by another win against Finland in the final match for gold.

Wells, born in St. Clair Shores, Michigan in 1957, was later inducted into the Bowling Green State University Hall of Fame in 1992. He retired from professional hockey in 1982 and returned to Michigan. Later, due to a degenerative illness discovered after an injury, Wells spent decades recovering at home and eventually had to sell his gold medal in 2010 to help cover his expenses. Against his doctor’s orders, Wells would suit up with his 1980 Team USA teammates once more, this time before the 2002 Winter Games held in Salt Lake City, Utah. He played one shift with the team and recorded a shot on goal.

“A stick salute to Mark Wells, who helped the U.S. win gold at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The Detroit native passed away this weekend, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. His impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

USA Hockey, via “X”

“It’s with profound sadness to announce the passing of Mark R. Wells. He was so much more than an Olympic hero or ‘The Commish.’ He was a friend to everyone he met. Simply a great man.”

– Luke, via Mark Wells Facebook Page

Inside the Rink extends their heartfelt condolences to the Wells family, loved ones, and friends. Rest well, Mark.

LOOK At Us Now Inside The Rink

Join Conrad, Chris, and Jayd as they cover the expanded NHL Playoffs, the 2026 Winter Classic & Stadium Series in Florida, and the Eastern Conference Playoff Chaos: Ottawa, Detroit, Montreal, and Boston. NHL Trade Rumor Hub: Detroit circling Dylan Cozens? Are Bjorkstrand and Burakovsky available in Seattle? Is Ryan O'Reilly on his way out of Smashville? All of this and more! Please like & subscribe to the show to keep up-to-date on all your NHL news and trade rumors!
  1. LOOK At Us Now
  2. Decisions in Vancouver & World Junior Recap
  3. Headed Into The New Year
  4. Holiday Break Updates
  5. A Sour Big Apple

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

Leave a Reply

Clayton Keller skating for the Utah Hockey Club

NHL Game Preview: New York Rangers at Utah Hockey Club with Line Combinations 1/16/2025

New York Rangers at Utah Hockey Club Venue: Delta CenterDate: Thursday, January 16Time: 9:00 EST TV: ESPN+ / Utah16 / MSGRadio:New York – ESPN NY 98.7Utah – The KSL Sports Zone 1280 AM / 97.5 FM DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:New York -1.5 ML +220Utah +1.5 ML -270O/U 5.5 Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster New York Rangers […]

Read More
Connor McDavid skating for the Edmonton Oilers

NHL Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche with Line Combinations 1/16/2025

Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche Venue: Ball ArenaDate: Thursday, January 16Time: 8:30 pm CSTTV: ESPN+ / SN1Radio:Edmonton – CHED 880 AMColorado – Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM / 950 AM DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:Edmonton +1.5 ML -230Colorado -1.5 ML +190O/U 6.5 Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster Edmonton Oilers News & Notes: While the Edmonton Oilers are second […]

Read More
Petr Mrazek skating for the Chicago Blackhawks

NHL Game Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators with Line Combinations 1/16/2025

Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators Venue: Bridgestone Arena Date: Tuesday, January 14Time: 7:00 pm CSTTV: ESPN+/ CHSN / FDSSRadio:Chicago – 720 WGNNashville – 102.5 ESPN DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:Chicago -1.5 ML +205Nashville +1.5 ML -250O/U 5.5 Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster Chicago Blackhawks News & Notes: Another disappointing season for Chicago leads to more trade speculation. Taylor Hall […]

Read More