What others are saying about Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita
Here's what members of the Blackhawks (current and past) have to say about Stan Mikita:
Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough
"Stan Mikita will be always remembered as a champion, an innovator and a master of the game. He embodied the Chicago Blackhawks. His excellence is illustrated by the team records he still holds today. … The impact he had on the franchise is proved by fact that Blackhawks fans still wear his jersey to the United Center. On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks organization and our fans, we express our deepest condolences to the Mikita family and all who mourn Stan's passing."
Eddie Olczyk, broadcaster and former player
To NBCSports Chicago: "A guy like Stan Mikita could have played in the '50s or he could have played in the 2010s or the 2020s because he was that skilled of a player. (He) was so cerebral, so smart with that puck and made the players that he played with better. This franchise has had a lot of great players. You think about Stan Mikita being on top of that list, that speaks volumes as how good of a player he was - but even more so off the ice."
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville
"Stan Mikita will be deeply missed by the Blackhawks organization. He was a great man who always made time for everyone. When I first got to Chicago, he regularly stopped in the coaches' office to talk hockey and share his thoughts with me. His warm welcome is something I'll never forget, and he meant a lot to me. My heart goes out to his family in this difficult time."
Denis Savard, Blackhawks ambassador
"Stan Mikita defined what it means to be a Chicago Blackhawk. He was not only a great player, but a great man who served as a mentor to me both on and off the ice. I join the entire Blackhawks family, especially my fellow Blackhawks Ambassadors, in extending my condolences to the Mikita family."
Tony Esposito, Mikita's teammate from 1969-80
"Stan and I were good friends and news of his passing breaks my heart. He spent his entire career with the Blackhawks and that shows how loyal he was. He was a durable player for his size and had the heart of a champion. "My wife, Marilyn, and I offer our deepest condolences to the Mikita family - his wonderful wife Jill, his children, Meg, Scott, Jane and Chris, and all of his grandchildren. We watched his kids grow up and Stan couldn't have been more proud of his family."
Bobby Hull, Mikita's teammate from 1958-72
"I am saddened to learn of Stan Mikita's passing. I, alongside all who played with him, knew him not only as a great player, but as an even better friend, teammate, husband, father and grandfather. I take comfort in knowing we will be forever together in front of the United Center, and I'm honored to now play a part in keeping his legacy alive."
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews
"Playing for the Blackhawks means the world to young players because we get to follow the greats like Stan Mikita. What he brought to the game will never be forgotten."
Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane
"My condolences to the Mikita family. Stan was first class on and off the ice. The game will miss him and so will I. RIP."
Former Blackhawks forward Jeremy Roenick
"My thoughts and prayers are toward Stan Mikita and his family. He is the definition of an NHL legend. He will always be remembered. Thanks for having such a big impact on my life! RIP Stan"
Troy Murray, former player and radio analyst
"So sad to hear about the passing of Stan Mikita. My condolences to his wife Jill, Jane, Chris and the entire Mikita Family. Stan was a great man. A friend and a mentor to me since the early 80s. He loved his family dearly ... I will miss you my friend."
Darren Pang, former Blackhawks goalie and broadcaster
"From the day I was recalled in 1985 from (the Milwaukee Admirals) he treated me like I'd been in the NHL for 1,000 games. He once came on the ice, in sweats, me and Stan. He schooled me like I'd never been schooled before."