The Legacy Of Mark Pavelich

Mark Pavelich was inimitable.

He was a little guy who really had no business becoming a big-time hockey player yet he did so in spades.

The fleet Minnesotan proved to be a decisive factor on Herb Brooks' 1980 "Miracle On Ice" Olympic Gold Medalists. Pavelich had become an international ace.

Lil' Mark then took his talents to the National Hockey League's New York Rangers where he again defied credulity by making the large fellows look small by comparison.

Pavelich did so by dazzling with his footwork and outwitting them with his brains. "With a few more like Mark," said Brooks, "we might have won a Stanley Cup for New York."

But the Blueshirts never could manage a title under Brooks and eventually Pavelich – as all players do – bade "Sayonara" to The Show.

Then, while other colleagues thrived, Mark merely survived. And then something went wrong – God knows what! – and our hero Pavelich needed help.

Yeah, he got some. Many of his buddies tried getting Mark back on the straight and narrow path but, alas, it didn't work. In March 2021, Pavelich took his life.

If any good news could be extracted from this saga it is that hockey people just were not willing to leave it at that.

Teammates and pals such as Barry Beck – a Ranger stalwart on defense – Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk and others chose to fulfill a promise to Mark.

Putting their action where their mouth is, they banded together in a group to confront mental health issues among athletes.

The tangible promise is to find a sanctuary where individuals who face life challenges – as Pavelich did – can be aided with purpose and support.

This haven in reality is called "The Ranch – Teammates For Life."

Were it around when Mark's demons were assailing him, Pavelich's tragic ending might not have happened.

That said, cheers to old pals Beck and Malarchuk for their good work. (For more information, go to www.the ranch teammates for life.org .)

You just might help save a life that way.