Former NHL player Mark Pavelich passed away at a treatment center for mental illness on Thursday morning at age 63. The Minnesota native was best known for his stint as a center for the ‘Miracle on Ice’ U.S. National hockey team which bagged the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics.

Via The Guardian:

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich,” USA Hockey said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family & friends. (He is) forever a part of hockey history.”

Pavelich reportedly succumbed at the Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, as confirmed by officials of Anoka County. The cause of his death was yet to be revealed to the public. Pavelich was previously receiving treatment at home which stemmed from an assault case that involved his neighbor in Cook County, Minnesota back in August 2019.

He was eventually charged with felony assault but judge Michael Cuzzo deemed that the former NHL player was already suffering from mental illness. According to a psychologist who was mentioned in the judge’s order back in December 2019, Pavelich was suffering delusions and paranoia in particular. Another psychologist provided more details on his medical condition as he was diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic head injuries.

Pavelich made a name for himself when he assisted on the winning goal scored by teammate Mike Eruzione against the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. Aside from his stint with the national team, Pavelich also spent seven seasons playing in the NHL.

He previously starred for the New York Rangers from 1982 to 1986 before he suited up for the Minnesota North Stars in the 1986-87 season. Mark Pavelich returned for a final tour of duty with the San Jose Sharks in the 1991-92 season before hanging his jersey by the end of their campaign. The former undrafted player eventually concluded his professional career with a total of 137 goals and 192 assists in 355 NHL games.