Graduted from the University of Minnesota - Duluth.
Died at the Eagle's Healing Nest in Sauk Centre, Minnesota where he was undergoing treatment as part of a civil commitment for assaulting his neighbor in Cook County, Minnesota in August 2019.
Played for five seasons with the New York Rangers scoring 133 goals with 185 assists in 341 games. Pavelich's 76 points in 1981-82 is the franchise's rookie record. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars and on the San Jose Sharks during its first year.
Suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, from repeated blows to the head.
Starred at Eveleth High School and was an All-America selection at the University of Minnesota Duluth before earning a spot on the US Olympic hockey team.
Member of the 1980 US Olympics Hockey team nicknamed "Miracle On Ice.".
In 2014 he sold his 1980 US Olympics gold medal for $250,000.