Stan Mikita passes away

[tarheelhockey]

This is a big one... needs its own memorial thread.

Family has confirmed that Mikita passed away at age 78.




Four decades after his retirement, Mikita is still 40th all time in games played; 31st in goals; 18th in assists; 14th in points.

He was one of 5 players in history (Howe, Esposito, Gretzky, Jagr) to win four Art Ross trophies in five years, and one of 18 players to win multiple Hart trophies. He was a six-time First All Star, tied for the most of any center other than Gretzky.

Click to read more...

 

[Filthy Dangles]

78

 

[mrhockey193195]

Very, very sad. Am I wrong in thinking that he was suffering from a serious illness (Alzheimer's?). All the best to his family and loved ones.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Very, very sad. Am I wrong in thinking that he was suffering from a serious illness (Alzheimer's?). All the best to his family and loved ones.

I recall reading something about how he had lost basically all memories of his hockey career. It was a sad but very relatable end-of-life situation.

 

[double5son10]

Very, very sad. Am I wrong in thinking that he was suffering from a serious illness (Alzheimer's?). All the best to his family and loved ones.

Lewy body dementia

 

[The Panther]

4 scoring titles in 5 years is insane. To put that in perspective, Rocket Richard had none, and Crosby had 2 in 8 seasons.

Mikita from 1960-61 to 1969-70 was the #1 scorer in the NHL, with 827 points and an excellent +202, also the best mark of the whole decade.

A true legend, and the first European-born NHL superstar (I think).

 

[njdevils1982]

legend of a player

 

[jackflash]

Very fitting that Canada is playing Slovakia tonight. Will tune in mainly for the tribute.

 

[AmericanDream]

RIP Stosh!!!

 

[Albatros]

Legend.

 

[DJ Man]

I got to see him play at Chicago Stadium long ago. A real hero.

 

[pvr]

A sad day for the Chicago Black Hawks family. Thanks for many of the wonderful hockey memories I have from my childhood, Mr Mikita.

 

[a79krgm]

Total class guy. The game will miss him.

 

[BenchBrawl]

R.I.P.

 

[ImporterExporter]

I certainly echo what others have said. The game and world lost a real legend today. Condolences to his family, friends, teammates and coaches.

 

[Rebels57]

All-time great. Rest well legend!

 

[Chili]

A 21 stick salute to a great player.

 

[Terrier]

RIP Stan, a legend no matter your allegiance. I'm glad that the franchise on Madison Street got straightened out and that Stan was able to revel in it.

 

[Tarantula]

NHL Totals

1394

541

926

1467

1270

155

59

91

150

169

[TFOOT] [/TFOOT]

Stan had been in the NHL for over a decade before I was watching and the Hawks were not on TV too often. I just looked up his career out of curiosity and was quite surprised at his scoring totals, and even his PIM. I know he had alot of PIM early in his career. Shame he only won one cup during his time in the NHL.

 

[DJ Man]

He was one of the first star players to wear a helmet, and as nobody was going to pick on him, probably paved the way for others to do so.

 

[Canadiens1958]

An honour to have seen Stan Mikita play. R.I.P.

 

[Bring Back Bucky]

A true legend who reinvented his whole on ice personna mid career.

 

[Fenway]

 

[mbhhofr]

I have always remembered the advice he gave me when I was an Emergency Replacement Linesman in a game between the Blackhawks and North Stars.

I was ready to drop the puck in a faceoff that he was taking. I held the puck out over the spot and before I dropped it he gave me this advice. "Stop waving the F'n puck and drop it."

 

[Fenway]