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.

ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris as the discuss Gavin McKenna making the jump to the NCAA, Pittsburgh and San Jose making additions, and the NHL season to begin on October 7, 2025.
  1. ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing
  2. ITR 46: Offseason Chaos
  3. ITR 45: Everything Is Happening
  4. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  5. ITR 43: It's Winning Time

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

Taking a Look at the Detroit Red Wings Draft History

I have written that the Detroit Red Wings have not been able to acquire a superstar player in the NHL Entry Draft due to their not having won the NHL’s draft lottery since its inception in 1995. Before this, the draft order was set in reverse order of the standings from the previous season. Defenseman […]

Read More
Jason Smith

Former Oilers Defenseman Will Coach The Oil Kings

Not breaking news involving our Edmonton Oilers, but still a pretty cool headline for nostalgia purposes. Jason Smith, who was part of the Oilers blueline from 1999/2000 to 2000/2008, and team captain during their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006, has signed on to be the head coach of the WHL’s Edmonton […]

Read More

ECHL: Oliver Cooper Signs with Florida, Adds Size and Grit Up Front

The Florida Everblades have signed 30-year-old forward Oliver Cooper for the 2025–26 season. A 6’3”, 205-pound center from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Cooper brings a physical presence and a proven winning track record to the Everblades’ forward group. ECHL Familiarity and European Experience Cooper returns to the ECHL with a wealth of professional experience. Most recently, […]

Read More