Mark Wells, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that famously won the “Miracle on Ice,” has passed away at the age of 66. Wells played a crucial role in the team’s victory, scoring two goals and adding one assist during the Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid.
His former teammates and social media pages confirmed Wells’s death, with team captain Mike Eruzione expressing his sadness at the loss of a great teammate and hockey player. Wells, despite his small stature, was known for his grit and determination on the ice, embodying the underdog spirit that defined the 1980 team.
Born and raised in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, Wells overcame challenges to become a key player on the Olympic team. Despite facing health issues later in life, Wells remained positive and continued to inspire others through his involvement in the annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp.
Wells’s legacy will live on as his No. 15 jersey will be raised to the rafters of the Olympic Center’s Herb Brooks Arena, joining the jerseys of his late teammates Bob Suter and Mark Pavelich. His former teammates and the hockey community mourn the loss of a true champion and a kind-hearted individual who left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Jim Craig, another member of the 1980 team, paid tribute to Wells, highlighting his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Wells’s legacy of perseverance and kindness will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.