Former Miracle on Ice defensemen Bob Suter passed away at the age of 57 on Wednesday. He becomes the first member of the 1980 U.S. gold medal-winning hockey team to die.
The 57 year old Suter is survived by his son Ryan, who currently plays for the Minnesota Wild and is considered one of the top defensemen in the NHL.
Ryan found out about the news while practicting with his team (via Star Tribune).
Ryan Suter, 29, was on the ice with the Wild at an informal practice at Braemar Arena in Edina when his wife, Becky, arrived, clearly broken up. Suter immediately left the ice and departed the rink with his wife. Teammates were stunned to learn the news after practice.
Noted for his rough play, Suter was eventually drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1977 and signed with the then Minnesota North Stars in 1981. He never played in the NHL.
He was serving as a scout for the Wild, who had this to say about the tragic passing.
We are very saddened by today’s news that Minnesota Wild Scout Bob Suter suddenly passed away. 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.
The cause of death is said to be a heart attack.
Photo: USA Today