The heart attack struck while he was at his own Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton, where he had run national youth hockey programmes for many years.

He is first player from the "Miracle on Ice" squad, which upset the Soviet Union - they had won the gold medal at the previous four Winter Games - and beat Finland for the Olympic title, to pass away, although coach Herb Brooks died in a car accident in 2003.

"We are all stunned," said Mark Johnson, one of Suter's Lake Placid 1980 team mates.

"Everyone is shocked.

"It's a sad day for not only the community of Madison but the hockey community who knew Bob and all of the players who he touched and who he gave an opportunity to play hockey and climb up the ladder."

Another of Suter's Olympic team mates 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 BamBam."

Bob Suter's son, Ryan, followed in his father's footsteps and became an Olympic ice hockey player ©Getty Images


USA Hockey also paid tribute to the star.

"It's a tough day for our sport, having lost a great friend and ambassador of the game," read a statement from the national governing body.

"Bob Suter will always be remembered for his role as a member of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team that captivated our country and whose impact is impossible to measure.

"His legacy, however, is far beyond that as he dedicated his life to advancing hockey and helping young people achieve their dreams.

"Bob's positive impact on our sport will be felt for generations to come.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Suter family at this difficult time."

Suter is survived by his son, Ryan, who followed in his father's footsteps and became an Olympic ice hockey player, winning a silver medal at Vancouver 2010 and representing the US at Sochi 2014.

He is also one of the top defensemen in the National Hockey League and is currently alternate captain with the Minnesota Wild.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2014: Mike Rowbottom: Brutalised Brazil join England, Mike Tyson, the Soviet ice hockey team and Don Bradman in Great List of Sporting Shocks
May 2014: "Miracle on Ice" Olympic gold medal sells for $262,900
April 2014: Lake Placid 1980 "Miracle on Ice" Olympic gold medal set for auction