The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth has been a longstanding bastion of celebration for hockey legends. The museum is now unveiling a new initiative aimed at honouring individuals who have made substantial contributions to the sport with the launch of the Teammates Forever Hall of Honor.
According to Doug Palazzari, the museum’s executive director, the purpose of the initiative is to acknowledge those who have played a pivotal role in the lives of others, both on and off the ice. “In the journey of life, there are numerous individuals who have provided assistance,” stated Palazzari. “These are enduring bonds that people hold dear – with this program, one has the opportunity to pay them tribute and have them enshrined in the Hall.”
Through a donation, individuals can pay homage to someone whose character, positivity, or actions have served as a source of inspiration. This tribute will be showcased on the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum’s website. “This presents a marvellous opportunity to do so while also supporting a worthy cause,” Palazzari added.
The funds raised through the Teammates Forever initiative will go towards supporting The Ranch, a facility in central Minnesota that offers assistance to individuals grappling with mental health challenges. Jean Pavelich Gevik, a co-founder of The Ranch, emphasized the positive impact of these contributions. “We’re aiding a significant number of people, and it feels incredibly rewarding,” she remarked.
The inspiration for The Ranch stemmed from Mark Pavelich, a former member of the 1980 gold medal-winning Olympic team, who tragically passed away by suicide. Pavelich’s sister, Jean Pavelich Gevik, shared that his vision was to establish a facility that could offer mental health care to athletes and veterans. “People are discussing mental health more openly now, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and all of that, it is heartening to see it being brought into the open, and providing more resources is a positive step,” Pavelich Gevik said. “That is what Mark hoped for.”
In alignment with this sentiment, Palazzari underscored the significance of the initiative in supporting The Ranch’s efforts in addressing mental health issues. “This is a remarkable opportunity for people to aid them (The Ranch) in combating the mental health challenges that are so crucial today. We are proud to be a part of it,” he expressed.
The new Teammates Forever Hall of Honor offers a distinctive and meaningful means to acknowledge and celebrate those who have left an indelible mark on the lives of others through their contributions to the sport of hockey. Furthermore, the initiative’s support for The Ranch underscores the critical importance of mental health care and the positive impact it can have on individuals in need.
By honouring the unsung heroes of the hockey community and contributing to the vital cause of mental health support, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum’s Teammates Forever Hall of Honor stands as a beacon of recognition and hope for the future.