Stan Mikita, who was the class act of the Chicago Blackhawks for 22 seasons and arguably the best center in the National Hockey League for most of those years succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia today. He was 78.

For those of us who grew up in the '60s, Mikita was the prime example of intelligence, skill, and toughness in a game where most players had only two out of the three at their best. Mikita showed up with all three every night. He started out as an undersized and chippy player who soon found out that you can't score from the penalty box. As a result, he carted off with the Art Ross (leading scorer), Hart (most valuable player), and Lady Byng (most gentlemanly player) trophies two years in a row in 1966-67 and 1967-68.

Mikita's passion for the underdog and kids with disabilities led him to establish a local Chicago program that became the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association and has been affiliated with the Special Olympics for years.

You will not find a former professional athlete who was more liked, respected, and admired after finishing his playing career.

Tragically, Mikita was stricken with Lewy Body Dementia about three years ago. This type of dementia is particularly quick and aggressive, and it literally took Mikita's entire memory in a matter of months. Within a year of being diagnosed, he forgot his family, his hockey career (including the Hawks' 1961 Stanley Cup win), and everything he did after retiring.

In the past few years, hockey has lost three of its class acts---Jean Beliveau, Gordie Howe, and now Stan Mikita.

RIP, Stosh.

As a Bruins fan when I followed hockey as a kid in Boston, I recall his name vividly. RIP.

I just saw this, thanks for posting.
Hockey was tough to watch in Stan's day, little B&W crap tv's but it didn't matter when Stan had the puck on his stick. RIP Stan Mikita.

Rest in peace, Stan.
I hope there's an ice rink in heaven.

I was able to meet the man a few times, truly a gentleman.

RIP Stosh

Rest in Peace.

God speed.