Wells originally had to sell the medal several years ago because of medical expenses needed to treat a rare genetic disease that affected his spinal cord. Along with the medal came a note that Wells wrote when he originally sold it.
The note reads as follows:
"The gold medal symbolizes my personal accomplishments and our team's accomplishments being reached. As one of only 20 players to receive this gold medal, it has held a special place in my heart since February of 1980. When I decided recently to offer it out . . . I also decided until the day I give it up, it will be worn. Therefore, I have slept with this medal for the past two weeks now in my home . . . I hope you will cherish this medal as I have."
Wells was the last player added to the 1980 USA team, which was made up entirely of college and amateur players and led by coach Herb Brooks. After stunning the Soviet Union -- a team that had dominated the same group of Americans by a score of 10-3 during an Exhibition prior to the Olympics -- in the medal round, the United States defeated Finland, 4-2, to claim its first hockey gold medal since the 1960 Squaw Valley games. They've yet to win a gold since, but have twice claimed silver, most recently during the 2010 games in Vancouver.
Wells was selected in the first round of the 1977 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens but retired from the game having never played in the NHL.
(H/T Puck Daddy)
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