Stan Mikita Rank
About Stan Mikita
When Stan Mikita lifted the Stanley Cup in 1961, he became the first Slovak-born to attain such a feat. As a centre for the Chicago Black Hawks, the Slovak-born Canadian proved himself to be fearless and reliable in the field of play, especially in the 1960s.
Early Life
Mikita lived most of his youthful days in the Slovak Republic before he moved to Canada in 1948 after he was adopted by his aunt and uncle. In Canada, his passion for ice hockey grew. He joined the junior ice hockey team of St. Catharine Tepees in the 1950s.
Chicago Black Hawks and Other Career Highlights
Mikita's professional career began with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1959. Mikita quickly became Chicago Hawks' most prized centre player after his stunning performance in the 1967 season. He was known for using his curve stick which the Ice Hockey Association later limited since it gave him too much of an advantage.
His form began to take a dip in the late 1970s due to incessant back problems and injuries. In the 1979/80 season, he hung up his blade and bowed out of the game as a fan favorite for the Hawks.
He spent his retirement years playing golf and attending to other business ventures.
Personal Life and Death
Mikita took his wedding vows with Jill in 1963. On August 7, 2018, the former ice hockey star died, aged 78, almost 7 years after being diagnosed with oral cancer. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Trivia
Mikita's ear was torn right off during a game in 1967 but was stitched back on after the match. To raise awareness of the condition, he and American businessman Irv Tianhnybik co-founded the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association (AHIHA).
The Chicago Blackhawks appointed him goodwill ambassador for the team.
For his contribution to the Black Hawks, a statue of him was erected outside the United Center in Chicago.
Notable Achievements
Aside from steering the Chicago Bull Hawks to lifting the Stanley Cup in 1961, he accomplished the following:
- In 2017, as part of the National Hockey League 100th anniversary celebration, a list of 100 Greatest NHL Players were compiled. Mikita made it on to the list.
- Initially a rough tackler, Mikita changed his game slightly. In 1967 and 1968, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his sportsmanship.
- Played in NHL All-Star Game in 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983
- Won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1976
- Inducted into the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002
Stan Mikita Rank
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F.A.Q. about Stan Mikita
When is his birthday?
Stan Mikita's birthday is on May 20, 1940.
In how many days is his birthday?
Stan Mikita's birthday is in 25 days
How old was Stan Mikita when he died?
He was 78 years old.
When did he die?
He died in August 7, 2018.
How old would he be today?
Stan Mikita would be 83 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Stan Mikita from?
He was born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic.
What was Stan Mikita's height?
He was 5′ 9″ (1.75m) tall.