Stan Mikita Diagnosed With Oral Cancer, Prognosis Is 'Excellent'
CHICAGO (CBS) Chicago Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita has been diagnosed with stage 1 oral cancer, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
"Stan has been diagnosed with an early base of tongue cancer and the prognosis is excellent," Dr. Richard Borrowdale of Loyola Medical Center said in a statement. "He will be treated with external beam radiation therapy."
The family has asked for privacy throughout the process.
Mikita played all 22 years of his NHL career with the Blackhawks. His 1,394 games played, 926 assists and 1,467 points are the most by any player in franchise history. His No. 21 is one of six numbers retired by the team.
Mikita was a member of the Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup Championship team.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
