Stan Mikita, who led Blackhawks to 1961 title, dies at 78

CHICAGO – Hockey great Stan Mikita has died at 78.

His death was announced Tuesday by the Chicago Blackhawks, the team he helped lead to the Stanley Cup in 1961. The Blackhawks did not disclose details but said he was with his family.

Mikita played for the Blackhawks for 22 seasons, becoming one of the franchise’s most revered figures. He is the team’s career leader for assists (926), points (1,467) and games (1,394), and is second to Bobby Hull with 541 goals.

Mikita became the first player to have his jersey retired by the Blackhawks in 1980. He was inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame three years later.

After a frosty stretch in his relationship with the franchise, Mikita became a team ambassador in 2007 and was a regular at home games before his health deteriorated.