Mikita given emotional tribute before Blackhawks home opener

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks lost an icon when Stan Mikita died on Aug. 7 at the age of 78. On Sunday, they gave him a tribute fit for a legend.

Prior to their home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United Center the Blackhawks honored the late Hall of Fame forward and member of the 1961 Stanley Cup Champions.
Blackhawks broadcaster Pat Foley, who hosted the ceremony, said Mikita was, "one of the most iconic players to ever wear the Blackhawks jersey. His talent and grace were matched only by his character and heart off the ice."
Mikita's wife, Jill, wiped away tears following a video montage of Mikita's life. In honor of Mikita's No. 21 jersey number, the Blackhawks had a 21-second moment of silence at the end of the ceremony.

"He was special, not only in the organization but in the community," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said before the ceremony. "It was tough when we lost him this summer and tonight will be special. It's nice to see the numbers in the back of the net; it's a good reminder. And having the No. 21 on the jerseys is special as well."

Mikita played all 22 of his NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and is Chicago's all-time leader in points (1,467), assists (926) and games played (1,396). In 1980, he became the first Blackhawks player to have his number retired. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and was named team ambassador for the Blackhawks on March 7, 2008.

"A lot of people would know him better than me, but he was a gentleman first and a long-time Chicago Blackhawk," Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. "The special thing about being involved in an Original Six franchise is the history they have - and you get to be a part of that - and the kind of gentlemen you get to meet and the kind of influence they can have on you. A quality, quality man. We'll be thinking of him and his family tonight."