While NHL hockey players from the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia"as well as other Eastern European nations"are commonplace today, Chicago Blackhawks great Stan Mikita was something of a pioneer. Other players with a flashier game such as Bobby Hull became better known, but you can make a compelling case that Mikita was the best center iceman in professional hockey during the'60s. Mikita was born in Sokolce, in what is now known as Slovakia. He was sent by his family to the Toronto, Ontario area as a young boy to avoid the political strife in the area prior to World War II. An aunt and uncle adopted him, and he changed his name from his birth name of Stanislav Guoth adopting their last name of Mikita. Like most young Canadian boys, he started playing hockey and quickly proved to have an impressive aptitude for the national sport.
Mikita starred for the junior league St. Catherine Teepees as a teenager before making the jump to the NHL joining the Chicago Blackhawks. He quickly became an important part of the Chicago offense in his first and second full seasons as a pro. In'61, he led the team in playoff scoring as they won the Stanley Cup.
During the early and mid'60's, Mikita's Blackhawks were the most feared offensive team in the NHL. Mikita centered the Scooter Line with Ken Wharram on the right wing and Ab McDonald or Doug Mohns on the left wing, and earned a reputation as one of the most complete offensive players in the game.
Mikitas influence wasnt limited to offensive output"he was a feared defensive player and considered one of the best faceoff men in the game. He also brought about one of the most significant innovations in NHL history, being the first to play with a curved stick blade. This was a very radical modification at the time, but was quickly copied throughout the league to the point where today a player that *doesnt* play with a curved stick is considered something of an anachronism.
Early in his career, Mikita played a tough, rugged style of hockey that made him one of the most penalized players in the game. In the mid'60s, however, he began to play a much cleaner and more sportsmanlike style that would earn him the Lady Byng Trophy for most gentlemanly player twice. According to legend, his young daughter prompted the change of play with her frequent questions about why her daddy spent so much time sitting in the box on televised games.
In addition to his Stanley Cup victory, Mikitas career accomplishments are among the most impressive in NHL history. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHLs leading scorer four times (1964,'65,'67,'68), the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player twice (1967 and'68) and the Lady Byng Trophy in'67 and'68.
Mikita suffered from back injuries in his last years as an active player, finally retiring in'80. He played his entire career for the Chicago Blackhawks, and was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in'83. He became something of a trivia answer for a younger generation when a donut shop called 'Stan Mikita's Donuts' was featured in the popular movie 'Wayne'w World'. - 42634
Mikita starred for the junior league St. Catherine Teepees as a teenager before making the jump to the NHL joining the Chicago Blackhawks. He quickly became an important part of the Chicago offense in his first and second full seasons as a pro. In'61, he led the team in playoff scoring as they won the Stanley Cup.
During the early and mid'60's, Mikita's Blackhawks were the most feared offensive team in the NHL. Mikita centered the Scooter Line with Ken Wharram on the right wing and Ab McDonald or Doug Mohns on the left wing, and earned a reputation as one of the most complete offensive players in the game.
Mikitas influence wasnt limited to offensive output"he was a feared defensive player and considered one of the best faceoff men in the game. He also brought about one of the most significant innovations in NHL history, being the first to play with a curved stick blade. This was a very radical modification at the time, but was quickly copied throughout the league to the point where today a player that *doesnt* play with a curved stick is considered something of an anachronism.
Early in his career, Mikita played a tough, rugged style of hockey that made him one of the most penalized players in the game. In the mid'60s, however, he began to play a much cleaner and more sportsmanlike style that would earn him the Lady Byng Trophy for most gentlemanly player twice. According to legend, his young daughter prompted the change of play with her frequent questions about why her daddy spent so much time sitting in the box on televised games.
In addition to his Stanley Cup victory, Mikitas career accomplishments are among the most impressive in NHL history. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHLs leading scorer four times (1964,'65,'67,'68), the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player twice (1967 and'68) and the Lady Byng Trophy in'67 and'68.
Mikita suffered from back injuries in his last years as an active player, finally retiring in'80. He played his entire career for the Chicago Blackhawks, and was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in'83. He became something of a trivia answer for a younger generation when a donut shop called 'Stan Mikita's Donuts' was featured in the popular movie 'Wayne'w World'. - 42634
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.
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