Blackhawks legend, Hockey Hall of Famer Stan Mikita dies at 78

Jimmy Hascup | USA TODAY

Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hockey Hall of Fame forward Stan Mikita has died at 78, the Blackhawks announced Tuesday.

The Blackhawks did not disclose details but said he was with his family.

Mikita, a two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP and four-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the NHL's leading scorer, led the Blackhawks to the 1961 Stanley Cup.

He spent each season of his 22-year-career with the Blackhawks, for which he is the franchise leader in points (1,467) and games played (1,396). Mikita ranks second in Blackhawks history with 541 goals. He is 14th all-time in points.

The 5-9 forward began his career during the 1958-59 season and was named to nine All-Star teams. Mikita was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.

Mikita became the first player to have his jersey retired by the Blackhawks in 1980. 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.

One of the greatest Blackhawks of all time, Stan Mikita.#ForeverABlackhawk pic.twitter.com/jOdghQic7g — Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 7, 2018

He is well-known outside of hockey circles from the movie Wayne's World, which featured the fictional "Stan Mikita's Donuts" as a hangout. Mikita made a cameo in the movie.

The Blackhawks announced that a public visitation for Mikita will be Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT in the United Center Atrium.

Contributing: The Associated Press