Mark Wells, a member of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that secured the gold medal, died on May 18, aged 66. Bowling Green State University, his alma mater, and USA Hockey confirmed the news. Wells is known for his part in the Miracle on Ice, and his death is a significant loss to the hockey community.
Born in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Wells played college hockey at Bowling Green between 1975 and 1979. His selection for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid was marked by determination, as he overcame a hairline ankle fracture just four months before the games to be the final player picked by coach Herb Brooks.
In the Olympics, Wells played a key defensive role as a center. His primary task was to prevent opponents from scoring rather than scoring himself. He played all seven games, scored twice, and assisted once, significantly contributing to the team’s historic win over the Soviet Union, a moment known as the Miracle on Ice.
Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 Olympic team, expressed his sadness on Twitter, stating, “It’s a sad day for our 1980 Olympic team. Yesterday, we lost Number 15, Mark Wells. He was a fantastic teammate and an excellent hockey player. We will miss him dearly.”
Post Olympics, Wells’ life was marked by challenges. He briefly attempted a professional career, playing nine games with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, the Montreal Canadiens’ top farm team. He was later traded to the Detroit Red Wings but never made it to the NHL, moving through the minor leagues before retiring in 1982.
Wells was forced into early retirement due to severe back problems resulting from a rare spinal cord disease. The associated medical expenses led to the difficult decision of selling his Olympic gold medal for approximately $40,000. The medal later fetched $310,700 at an auction.
Despite these obstacles, Wells stayed active in his community. He gave motivational speeches, attended civic events, and was inducted into the Bowling Green State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2014, his hometown of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, named a rink in the Civic Arena after him.
His official Facebook page announced his passing, describing him as more than an Olympic hero, a friend to everyone he met, and an overall great man. His resilience, despite health and financial struggles, inspired many.
USA Hockey honored Wells in a statement: “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 we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. His influence on the sport will be enduring and felt for generations.
Wells’ impact on the world of hockey is noteworthy. His 1980 team’s contribution and his subsequent efforts to share his journey of overcoming adversity left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Wells is survived by his loved ones, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
