Stanley Mikita (May 20, 1940 – August 7, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s. After three starring junior seasons with the St. Catharines Teepees of the Ontario Hockey Association, Mikita was promoted to the parent Chicago Blackhawks in 1959–60. In 1961, his second full year, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Mikita led the entire league in goals during the playoffs.
The following season was his breakout year. Mikita became a star as centre of the famed "Scooter Line", with right wing Ken Wharram and left wingers Ab McDonald and Doug Mohns. Combining skilled defense and a reputation as one of the game's best faceoff men using his innovative curved stick.
In his early years, Mikita was among the most penalized players in the league, but he then decided to play a cleaner game and went on to win the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for particularly sportsmanlike conduct combined with excellence twice while lead the league in scoring four times throughout the decade. The 1967–68 season, an 87-point effort from Mikita, was the last year a Chicago player won the scoring title until Patrick Kane's 106-point 2015–16 season. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
In retirement, Mikita became a goodwill ambassador for the Blackhawks' organization, and in fall of 2011, the Blackhawks raised a statue honoring Mikita at Gate 3½ at Chicago's United Center. For three decades the Blackhawks Alumni Association has hosted an annual golf tournament named in Mikita's honor.
The following season was his breakout year. Mikita became a star as centre of the famed "Scooter Line", with right wing Ken Wharram and left wingers Ab McDonald and Doug Mohns. Combining skilled defense and a reputation as one of the game's best faceoff men using his innovative curved stick.
In his early years, Mikita was among the most penalized players in the league, but he then decided to play a cleaner game and went on to win the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for particularly sportsmanlike conduct combined with excellence twice while lead the league in scoring four times throughout the decade. The 1967–68 season, an 87-point effort from Mikita, was the last year a Chicago player won the scoring title until Patrick Kane's 106-point 2015–16 season. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
In retirement, Mikita became a goodwill ambassador for the Blackhawks' organization, and in fall of 2011, the Blackhawks raised a statue honoring Mikita at Gate 3½ at Chicago's United Center. For three decades the Blackhawks Alumni Association has hosted an annual golf tournament named in Mikita's honor.