The Minnesota hockey family was devastated late Saturday when Mack Motzko, the son of Gophers coach Bob Motzko, died in a car accident. Police in Orono, Minnesota, reported a fatal accident at 11:47 p.m. Saturday, listing one person as deceased and two others as seriously injured. Motzko was only 20 years old.
Mark Coyle, Minnesota’s athletic director, released the following statement:
“We are devastated for Bob, Shelley, their family and all involved. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we will do everything we can to support those affected. We ask for privacy for the families, as they mourn the loss of loved ones.”
Notre Dame, which competes in the Big Ten for hockey, tweeted the following:
Notre Dame hockey is thinking of the Motzko family and extended @GopherHockey hockey program at this difficult time, you have our deepest condolences 🙏
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) July 25, 2021
Motzko competed in two Minnesota state tournaments for St. Cloud Cathedral. This past season, he spent time with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL and the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the NAHL. He scored 10 points, including six goals, over 39 total games.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Motzko family during this difficult time.