Mark Pavelich was a professional ice hockey player who played for various teams throughout his career. He was born on February 28, 1958, in Eveleth, Minnesota, and grew up playing hockey in the state. Pavelich played college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to a national championship in 1981.
After college, Pavelich was drafted by the New York Rangers in the fifth round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in the 1981-82 season and played with the team for two seasons before being traded to the Minnesota North Stars. Pavelich played with the North Stars for three seasons before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in 1991. He played just one season with the Sharks before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Pavelich was known for his speed and skill on the ice. He was a versatile player who could play both center and wing positions. Pavelich was also known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a key player on the 1980 US Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal in the "Miracle on Ice" game against the Soviet Union.
After retiring from hockey, Pavelich struggled with mental health issues and legal troubles. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was hospitalized for treatment. In 2019, Pavelich was charged with assault and was found incompetent to stand trial due to his mental health issues. He was committed to a mental health facility for treatment.
Despite his struggles off the ice, Pavelich's hockey career was impressive. He played in over 350 NHL games and scored 137 goals and 192 assists for a total of 329 points. He also played in international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Championships. Pavelich's contributions to the sport of hockey will not be forgotten, and his legacy as a skilled and dedicated player will live on.
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