Bob Suter, a defenseman on the 1980 Miracle on Ice team that stunningly won the Olympic gold medal in hockey, died of an apparent heart attack on Tuesday at age 57 in Madison, Wis.
Suter played in all seven games during the U.S. team's improbable run to the gold and in its shocking victory over the then-Soviet Union.
Suter was drafted in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Kings in 1977 but did not make it to the NHL during his playing career. However, his son, Ryan Suter, is now a star for the Minnesota Wild. Suter's brother, Gary, and Ryan Suter both played in the Olympics and won silver medals.
After retiring as a player, Suter coached youth hockey in the Madison area, where he went to college at the University of Wisconsin, ran a hockey pro shop, Suter's Gold Medal Sports, and served as a scout for the Wild.
"We are very saddened by today's news that Minnesota Wild scout Bob Suter suddenly passed away," the Wild said in a statement. "The Wild organization sends its condolences to the entire Suter family during this difficult time. Not only was Bob a great hockey ambassador, he was a terrific person off the ice who will be greatly missed by all of us."
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U.S. Olympic teammate Mike Eruzione tweeted, "Sad news at the passing of Bob Suter a great teammate on 1980 Olympic team he will be missed by so many RIP."
