The Chicago Blackhawks honored the late Stan Mikita with a pregame ceremony Sunday at the United Center.
The Blackhawks played a tribute video for Mikita, who is the franchise all-time leading scorer with 1,467 points. He died in August at age 78.
#Blackhawks honoring Stan Mikita before the game #NHL pic.twitter.com/f1ccc8EE1X
— Chris Wescott (@TheChrisWescott) October 7, 2018
“To play for one team for over 20 years… it’s special.”#ForeverABlackhawk pic.twitter.com/PJ5NC7aicf
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2018
After the video, the Blackhawks held a moment of silence for 21 seconds in Mikita’s honor before his wife, Jill, dropped a ceremonial puck with Chicago captain Jonathan Toews and Maple Leafs center John Tavares.
A ceremonial puck drop by Stan Mikita’s wife Jill, two roaring renditions of the anthems and IT’S GAME ON!#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/tO4N8yC9iJ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2018
Mikita’s family announced in 2015 that the hockey legend is suffering from Lewy body dementia, which is a type of progressive dementia. Prior to his diagnosis, Mikita served as an official ambassador for the Blackhawks since March 2008.
Mikita also leads Chicago in games played (1,396) and assists (926) in his 22 seasons as a player. He was an eight-time All-Star, two-time Hart Trophy winner and member of the Hawks’ 1961 Stanley Cup championship team. He also is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 1983 class and has a bronze statue next to one of teammate Bobby Hull outside the United Center.
His No. 21 was the first number to be retired in franchise history.
The Blackhawks are also wearing a No. 21 patch on their sweaters and have the number painted on the United Center ice behind each goal this season.