The Ranch – Teammates for Life is a nonprofit 501c3 organization aimed at providing a healthy and purposeful life for those former athletes, military combat veterans, and our brave first responders who have suffered trauma in their lives.
This Non-Profit Organization was inspired by hockey teammates who, like so many others, were facing some of life’s biggest challenges.
The dreamer who conceived the idea of The Ranch – Teammates for Life – was former New York Ranger’s Captain Barry Beck. Mark Pavelich, a fellow New York Ranger teammate and member of the 1980 Gold Medal Olympic (Miracle on Ice) hockey team was suffering from mental health issues as a result of the brain trauma he sustained over the years. As in their past, Barry protected Pav and rallied for his support.
Mark embraced the idea of The Ranch after learning he wasn’t alone in the struggle. Teammates help each other on and off the ice, so not surprisingly, they were then joined by former NHL players, Clint Malarchuk and Tom Gorence, as well as Jean Pavelich Gevik, Mark’s sister. Since then, others have joined in. All are driven by the same passion to help one another.
Before leaving us, Mark asked us to keep it going for his Teammates and for our Veterans and First Responders, the “real heroes” – his words. For the military who served and fought in battle together there is a saying – leave no man behind. At The Ranch, that rings true as well. It’s all for one and one for all.
To fulfill Pav’s request to “keep it going!”, Melony Butler and the Veterans at the Eagle Healing Nest, opened their hearts and home to us, as they did for Mark. We are currently remodeling our building there – The Ranch Branch – and and will keep you updated on our progress.