History of Mark Pavelich in Timeline

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Mark Pavelich

Mark Thomas Pavelich was an American professional ice hockey player. He played 355 regular season games in the NHL for the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, and San Jose Sharks between 1981 and 1991. Pavelich played center for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal, famously known as the "Miracle on Ice".

February 28, 1958: Birth of Mark Pavelich

Mark Thomas Pavelich was born on February 28, 1958.

1977: Start of College Career

Mark Pavelich began his college career at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1977.

1979: End of College Career

Mark Pavelich's college hockey career at the University of Minnesota Duluth ended in 1979.

1980: Assists in Miracle on Ice Game

In the 1980 game against the Soviet Union, Pavelich assisted on two goals, including the game-winner.

1980: Miracle on Ice

Mark Pavelich was part of the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

1981: NHL Debut

Mark Pavelich made his NHL debut in 1981.

1981: Portrayed in "Miracle on Ice"

Mark Pavelich was portrayed by Jack Blessing in the 1981 TV movie "Miracle on Ice".

1981: Plays for HC Lugano and World Championship

Pavelich played for HC Lugano and the US National team at the World Championship in 1981.

February 23, 1983: Five Goals in One Game

Mark Pavelich became the first American to score five goals in a single NHL game on February 23, 1983.

September 11, 1985: Marriage to Sue Koski

Mark Pavelich married Sue Koski on September 11, 1985.

1987: Birth of Daughter

Mark Pavelich's daughter, Tarja, was born in 1987.

1987: Plays for Minnesota North Stars

Pavelich played for the Minnesota North Stars in 1987.

1989: Divorce from Sue Koski

Mark Pavelich and Sue Koski divorced in 1989.

October 4, 1991: Assist on Sharks' First Goal

Pavelich recorded an assist on the San Jose Sharks' first-ever goal on October 4, 1991.

1991: End of NHL Career

Mark Pavelich's NHL career ended in 1991.

1994: Marriage to Kara Burmachuk

Mark Pavelich married Kara Burmachuk in 1994.

2004: Portrayed in "Miracle"

Mark Pavelich was portrayed by Chris Koch in the 2004 Disney film "Miracle".

2009: Ranked Among 100 Ranger Greats

In 2009, Pavelich was ranked No. 83 all-time of New York Rangers players.

September 6, 2012: Death of Kara Pavelich

Mark Pavelich's second wife, Kara, died on September 6, 2012.

April 2014: Olympic Medal Auctioned

Mark Pavelich put his Olympic medal up for auction in April 2014.

May 2014: Olympic Medal Sold

Mark Pavelich's Olympic medal was sold in May 2014.

August 15, 2019: Arrest and Charges

Mark Pavelich was arrested and charged with assault and weapons offenses on August 15, 2019.

August 2020: Transfer to Lower-Security Facility

Mark Pavelich was transferred to a lower-security treatment facility in August 2020.

March 4, 2021: Death of Mark Pavelich

Mark Pavelich passed away on March 4, 2021.

October 2022: inducted into Croatian-American Sports Hall of Fame

Mark Pavelich was inducted into the Croatian-American Sports Hall of Fame in October 2022.