Stan Mikita was born in Sokolce, Czechoslovakia, before arriving in Canada with his aunt and uncle in 1947.

Mikita played for the St. Catherines Teepees before trying out with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1958-59 season. After a successful three-game stint, Mikita signed on with the Blackhawks for the 1959-60 season.

Mikita, along with Bobby Hull, led the Blackhawks to their third Stanley Cup championship in 1961. Unfortunately, that was the only Cup during Mikita's career.

However, Mikita certainly put his stamp on the National Hockey League. He had 541 regular-season goals and 59 playoff goals during his 22-year career with the Blackhawks. In 1966-67, he became the first player in history to win the Hart Trophy (most valuable player), Art Ross Trophy (top scorer) and Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in the same season. Mikita retired after the 1979-80 season and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.

Career highlights: