Chicago Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita dies

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      Long before there were Gretzky and Kurri—or Trottier and Mike Bossy, for that matter—there was the fearsome duo of Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull.

      Mikita, the smoothest playmaking centre of the 1960s, won four Art Ross trophies with the Chicago Blackhawks.

      He also won two Lady Byng awards for most sportsmanlike player in two of those seasons when he led the National Hockey League in points.

      Today, the diminutive Mikita died at the age of 78 after being diagnosed several years ago with a degenerative disease called Lewy body dementia.

      The Slovakian-born hockey legend is being remembered for his dogged work ethic, passion, and unselfish play.

      Mikita is credited as the inventor of the curved stick, which made teammate Hull's blistering slapshots even more unpredictable for goalies.

      Mikita spent his entire career with the Blackhawks, scoring 541 goals and registering 1,467 points.

      He was the first team member to have his jersey retired, and a statue of him and Hull can be found outside the Blackhawks' home arena, the United Center, in Chicago.

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