Former Canadiens prospect, 1980 US Olympic team member passes away
We have some sad news to pass along in the hockey world on Saturday afternoon as a member of the 1980 United States Olympic team has passed away.
In a post on social media, it was announced that former Montreal Canadiens prospect and 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mark Wells has passed away at the age of 66.
While there aren't many details at this time, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.
RIP #15
🙏🏒🏅🇺🇸"
"Many of us were fortunate to spend time with Wellsy last week at our annual @1980hockeycamp. He loved coming back to this event every year as the «Commish», reuniting with us and all the campers who have become family."
The St. Clair Shores, Michigan native attended college at the Bowling Green State University where after his second year, he was drafted 176th overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.
After leaving college, Wells would have a relatively short professional career playing in the AHL with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and New Haven Nighthawks. He also spent time in the now-defunct International Hockey League and Central Professional Hockey League, where he played for the Flint Generals, Fort Wayne Comets and Oklahoma City Stars.
Wells appeared in seven games for the United States at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, putting up three games as they defeated the Soviet Union to win the gold medal in what is famously known as the 'Miracle on Ice'.
The thoughts of everyone at Blade of Steel are with Well's family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time.
