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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Stan #Legend
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tvetter
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burkesville, KY
Joined: 12.16.2015

Aug 9 @ 5:47 PM ET
A lineup like that would be a big step up if Nash and Brouwer were still in their prime. Shore may not be the best option either but is likely who would be attainable and hopefully serviceable given the circumstances.

I generally like your lineup idea not necessarily because of the exact player acquisitions but to give is an idea of what would help boost the team.

- AEL_Fox

Oh, we need a lot of help. My main reason to sign these players (or any 3 NHL caliber forwards) is so the young guys can get another year under Colliton in the AHL. I fear that if we rush the young players, we could end up like AZ. I don't want a team full of players that don't live up to their potential because we rushed them to the show.
blackhawk24
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL
Joined: 06.06.2009

Aug 9 @ 5:50 PM ET
He's being a smart ass (correctly), as in the team was known as "Black Hawks" until the mid 80's. Then changed to "Blackhawks".
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Aug 9 @ 6:05 PM ET
Oh, we need a lot of help. My main reason to sign these players (or any 3 NHL caliber forwards) is so the young guys can get another year under Colliton in the AHL. I fear that if we rush the young players, we could end up like AZ. I don't want a team full of players that don't live up to their potential because we rushed them to the show.
- tvetter

Definitely especially given team circumstances. Need to acquire players who are one year options to allow prospects to develop properly or players who are stellar at their roles and can be longer term options. The latter is less likely of course.

I also like how you saved around $1.6M which would be needed to pay potential bonuses. Best to pay them out this year than dip into next year's cap.
blackhawk24
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL
Joined: 06.06.2009

Aug 9 @ 6:06 PM ET
Saw Stosh play from the late 60's onward. He did it all. Played the 185' game in the Stadium as well as anyone, from any team. Even with the smaller ice surface, he was able to make his way up the ice against almost anyone.

I can still remember meeting him as a young lad to get an autograph. The kindest guy you can meet. Along with The Golden Jet and TonyO, they would always sign and talk with the fans.

Meeting him outside the barn before the last regular season game, 4/14/94 he told a bunch of us stories about the climb up the steps, how he said it was his honour to play there, in that sweater, in front of us. His gratitude was amazing. He also asked us to embrace the new place, as if he knew we would miss the barn lime he would.

An ever-lasting image I will have is the dejected look he had --- while waving to us on the East end of the ice --- as he made his way to the steps after the '71 game 7 loss. The Jacques Lemaire Fog Goal game has stuck with me since. And I know it stuck with Stosh.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Aug 9 @ 7:08 PM ET
He's being a smart ass (correctly), as in the team was known as "Black Hawks" until the mid 80's. Then changed to "Blackhawks".
- blackhawk24


We’re lucky - it could have been the Chicago Coffee Mates - hate to think what the logo would have been.
wonthecup10
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 02.05.2008

Aug 9 @ 7:24 PM ET
A few years back, I was at a gas station in the Burr Ridge area and saw Stan filling up next to me.

I didn't want to be that guy, but I decided to go up to him anyway--would probably never have the chance again.

I walked over to him and introduced myself. He was as nice as everyone has ever said. Our convo lasted maybe three minutes. We talked about the Hawks (who were knocked out of the playoffs at the time) and how we both agreed that a little more grit was needed (yes, a HOF player also felt the Hawks lacked toughness at the time ) and how he was hopeful they'd turn it around next season.

We told each other to have a good day and "Go Hawks!"

I called my dad immediately. It was a good day.

- Hank3Henshaw



Great story Hank, a lot of us old-timers have had the pleasure of meeting Stan and have similar stories, agree with what he said, right to the minute God rest his soul and may he rest in peace, and agree with you, the team still lacks you know what! And I get a kick out of these guys did think it is already in house. First of all tour three of these guys have still a lot to prove that they even can play in the league on a regular basis. Interested to see what PTOs Stan comes up with.

Was wondering if you saw Or maybe you were the one to post it,a post on a prior blog how many BLACKHAWKS willing to “go “, I laughed when I looked at the list When I saw a couple of those names on there. I don’t think I even want guys fighting, I just want some good solid checks and some answer backs and some sandpaper hockey for a change and if a fight happened so be it
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Aug 9 @ 8:34 PM ET
My dad took me to my first game when I was in 4th grade in the 1964/65 season. Mikita was already my favorite player. I remember they beat the Canadiens, but that’s about it.

We went on a bus with a group of people from a local tavern named Triangle Liquor. I was shocked to see my teacher board the bus. She came over and told me I didn’t have to worry about my homework since I was going to the game.

Unfortunately my Dad has already made me do my homework, he’d never let me get away with something like that.

Sometimes I forget how lucky I’ve been to see some of the greatest players to play the game!
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Aug 9 @ 8:39 PM ET
Ran across this:

Pioneers of Hockey - Stan "Stosh" Mikita [Part 1]

https://youtu.be/xKxMvPZYNJs
EbonyRaptor
Joined: 03.28.2013

Aug 9 @ 11:14 PM ET
Local product Christian Dvorak signs a nice contract today. Congrats
- TJYTJY


Dvorek had 15g/37pts in 78 games last season ... and he got a 6-year deal with $4.45M AAV. Mercy!

Schmaltz is the same age and he had 21g/52pts in 78 games last season. If Schmaltz scores even more than 52 points this coming season - we'll be lucky to get him re-signed for $6M.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Aug 9 @ 11:33 PM ET
Dvorek had 15g/37pts in 78 games last season ... and he got a 6-year deal with $4.45M AAV. Mercy!

Schmaltz is the same age and he had 21g/52pts in 78 games last season. If Schmaltz scores even more than 52 points this coming season - we'll be lucky to get him re-signed for $6M.

- EbonyRaptor


I’m expecting 6-8 years around $6-$6.5 million per.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Aug 10 @ 1:04 AM ET
https://thehockeynews.com...are-improving-their-games

The Cat!
wiz1901
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: DraftSite com, IL
Joined: 05.14.2008

Aug 10 @ 8:41 AM ET
He was good 1 year. (Cup year.) Then he sucked for 20. (Based on the sentiment of most posters here.)

A shot and a goal. (RIP Stan.) You are loved.

- hocktock



Wow...Hawk fan lately?
wiz1901
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: DraftSite com, IL
Joined: 05.14.2008

Aug 10 @ 8:46 AM ET
I think this is an appropriate time to share a story that helpsed my love for the game grow.

So nowadays, I attempt to watch Junior players and prognosticate on their futures as NHL prospects, but in the1963, I was a kid who was still learning the one game he loved.(not a tyro since I had already spend several seasons in a Stadium seat for close to full seasons.

A hardware store on Milwaukee Ave. near Damen and North Avenues advertised that Stan Mikita would be signing autographs there all day.

My father dropped me off, and unlike the other Blackhawk fans, I didn’t get my autograph and leave.
I stayed. I wanted more. There were long periods were there were NO fans…remember, Blackhawk hockey in the sixties just started to usher in and the inner city a Polish neighborhood in Wicker Park probably wasn’t on the bandwagon yet.
Stan used those no-fan periods to sneak out back and take a few puffs on a cigarette.
Me, I had a plan. I wanted to pick his brain and learn more.
I asked about things as banal as …”why on the break outs, does the carrier stand behind the netting before committing to the left or right outlet to his teammates? And why idd team empty a fourth forward at the point?, and do you guys weave but stay in positionally straight lines? (Stan’s anger: “that ’s my area when we lose the puck on the attack and I have to try and slow their response.”

He knew I wasn’t some Canadian born kid, who was pllayting his way up through the midget to junior ranks, just some Chicago kid, whose experiences playing were local and outside park related, spawned by the NHL Blackhawks team resurgence from the sixth position in a six team league.

I didn’t go away. And Stan didn’t go away with this his answers in this public appearance that probably earned him a few hundred dollars, if that.welcoming effort at this

Sure, I was already hooked on the game as the only sport that truly interested me. But Stan’s welcoming effort ate this appearance helped solidify my love for the game, because the man was a larger than life ambassador while still playing.

Later on I met Juda, a relative by marriage who sat a section over from me, and saw Stan when he left the building via gate 3 and a half as he spend that extra hour signing my programs and everyone else’s.

He was more than a distant original six icon to me…he was everything I loved about the game I loved.
Mount Albert
Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Mount Albert, ON
Joined: 12.11.2008

Aug 10 @ 9:49 AM ET
I’d like to take you back to the early 80’s, Markham Centennial Arena is the setting........

Being a die hard hockey fan as a 12 year old boy was common in my neck of the woods. Every year the Original Six Oldtimers would congregate in Markham to play in a tournament.

My older brother had his licence and would drive me and few friends up to Markham for the day to take in as many games as poosible. We would get our programs for the day and seek out the Oldtimers for autographs. Typically we would wait for the players exiting the ice and then ask for an autograph. The goal was to have the game program signed by the players in the game.

The layout of this venue had a rink on one side and a massive pool on the other side of the building. On the upper floor, there was a common area that you could look out windows into the pool area. On the other side was a banquet hall overlooking the ice surface.

I’m not sure why I left my buddies down at ice level hanging over the glass asking for autographs, but I soon found myself, alone, in this common area on the upper level.

I quickly realized that there was a steady stream of Ulumni coming out of the banquet hall to use the washroom in this common area.

There was a female security guard stationed outside of the banquet hall entrance, she told me that if Stan Makita comes out that I’d be in for a surprise.

The anticipation for a 12 year old waiting felt like hours, most likely it was only a half hour or so until the Legend himself came through the door heading to the washroom.

I jumped of the couch I was sitting on and approached him.......”Mr Makita, after your done in the washroom, would I be able to get your autograph please” ? He stops dead in his tracks and says “Son, what’s your name” ? I reply “John” Stan says “Well John, after I’m done in the washroom, your going to get all the autographs you want.

He comes out of the washroom, puts his arm around me and leads me past the security and into the VIP Ulumni banquet hall. If anyone asks you who you are, tell them your Stan’s Nephew as he was heading back to a table full of players.

I spent the rest of the day feeling like I was on top of the world......free pop, snacks, all the autographs I could handle, watching the games perched up in the hall.....all because of Stan.

To be honest, I never knew much about Stan Makita prior to that day, I learned enough in those 5 minutes that I’ve held him in the highest regard, not only as a player but as a person in my nearly 50 years.

I’ll always remember Stan for his kindness that he exemplified to a 12 year old kid seeking autographs.

RIP Mr Makita and I hope someone puts their arm around you and leads you through the banquet doors !

HamiltonHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.13.2015

Aug 10 @ 10:55 AM ET
I’d like to take you back to the early 80’s, Markham Centennial Arena is the setting........

Being a die hard hockey fan as a 12 year old boy was common in my neck of the woods. Every year the Original Six Oldtimers would congregate in Markham to play in a tournament.

My older brother had his licence and would drive me and few friends up to Markham for the day to take in as many games as poosible. We would get our programs for the day and seek out the Oldtimers for autographs. Typically we would wait for the players exiting the ice and then ask for an autograph. The goal was to have the game program signed by the players in the game.

The layout of this venue had a rink on one side and a massive pool on the other side of the building. On the upper floor, there was a common area that you could look out windows into the pool area. On the other side was a banquet hall overlooking the ice surface.

I’m not sure why I left my buddies down at ice level hanging over the glass asking for autographs, but I soon found myself, alone, in this common area on the upper level.

I quickly realized that there was a steady stream of Ulumni coming out of the banquet hall to use the washroom in this common area.

There was a female security guard stationed outside of the banquet hall entrance, she told me that if Stan Makita comes out that I’d be in for a surprise.

The anticipation for a 12 year old waiting felt like hours, most likely it was only a half hour or so until the Legend himself came through the door heading to the washroom.

I jumped of the couch I was sitting on and approached him.......”Mr Makita, after your done in the washroom, would I be able to get your autograph please” ? He stops dead in his tracks and says “Son, what’s your name” ? I reply “John” Stan says “Well John, after I’m done in the washroom, your going to get all the autographs you want.

He comes out of the washroom, puts his arm around me and leads me past the security and into the VIP Ulumni banquet hall. If anyone asks you who you are, tell them your Stan’s Nephew as he was heading back to a table full of players.

I spent the rest of the day feeling like I was on top of the world......free pop, snacks, all the autographs I could handle, watching the games perched up in the hall.....all because of Stan.

To be honest, I never knew much about Stan Makita prior to that day, I learned enough in those 5 minutes that I’ve held him in the highest regard, not only as a player but as a person in my nearly 50 years.

I’ll always remember Stan for his kindness that he exemplified to a 12 year old kid seeking autographs.

RIP Mr Makita and I hope someone puts their arm around you and leads you through the banquet doors !

- Mount Albert

Very nice great storey thanks for sharing
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Aug 10 @ 11:20 AM ET

Dylan Larkin - 5 years / 6.1M per year.

This is the range that Schmaltz is in, IMO.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Aug 10 @ 11:29 AM ET
Dylan Larkin - 5 years / 6.1M per year.

This is the range that Schmaltz is in, IMO.

- Justin Lowe


If Larkin got $6.1 million Stan will give Schmaltz $8 million.

Seriously though, $6.0 - $6.5 million would be what I expect, hopefully for more than 5 years.
Matt Ross
Joined: 03.15.2013

Aug 10 @ 11:32 AM ET
Great story Hank, a lot of us old-timers have had the pleasure of meeting Stan and have similar stories, agree with what he said, right to the minute God rest his soul and may he rest in peace, and agree with you, the team still lacks you know what! And I get a kick out of these guys did think it is already in house. First of all tour three of these guys have still a lot to prove that they even can play in the league on a regular basis. Interested to see what PTOs Stan comes up with.

Was wondering if you saw Or maybe you were the one to post it,a post on a prior blog how many BLACKHAWKS willing to “go “, I laughed when I looked at the list When I saw a couple of those names on there. I don’t think I even want guys fighting, I just want some good solid checks and some answer backs and some sandpaper hockey for a change and if a fight happened so be it

- wonthecup10


Thanks! I'm not quite an "old timer" yet...but getting there

I don't remember that post, but I certainly agree with your points about wanting some solid checking, answer-backs and a little bit fo sandpaper/grit
hocktock
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Over by dere.
Joined: 07.15.2015

Aug 10 @ 11:49 AM ET
Wow...Hawk fan lately?
- wiz1901


"Based on the sentiment of most posters here."

Why is everyone missing that line.

It's my impression, based on folks's posts, that unless he hocks win the cup all the players suck. Therefore, based on the fact that there were only 6 teams in the leauge and Stan won the cup once times, he must suck. 21 years at least.

Is a sarcasm funny when you have to explain it? No.

Getting a doughnut now.
MjulQvist
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 04.22.2012

Aug 10 @ 11:59 AM ET
If Larkin got $6.1 million Stan will give Schmaltz $8 million.

Seriously though, $6.0 - $6.5 million would be what I expect, hopefully for more than 5 years.

- DarthKane


Why would Schmaltz get more than Bo Horvat or Dylan Larkin?
Beaver-Warrior
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: in my great and unmatched wisdom
Joined: 07.28.2011

Aug 10 @ 12:04 PM ET
If Larkin got $6.1 million Stan will give Schmaltz $8 million.

Seriously though, $6.0 - $6.5 million would be what I expect, hopefully for more than 5 years.

- DarthKane


Not a fan of the super long term deals. Five years @ 6 to 6.5M seems just about right.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Aug 10 @ 12:23 PM ET
Why would Schmaltz get more than Bo Horvat or Dylan Larkin?
- MjulQvist


There is implied sarcasm in pretty much every comment Darth has ever made.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Aug 10 @ 12:25 PM ET
If Larkin got $6.1 million Stan will give Schmaltz $8 million.

Seriously though, $6.0 - $6.5 million would be what I expect, hopefully for more than 5 years.

- DarthKane


I hope that since the situation is a bit different, with Larkin having another year under his belt and him being more "front and centre" for the Wings, maybe they can get Schmaltz at a bit less. Maybe even 5.5? That would be my hope anyway.
SteveRain
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Connor Murphy Sucks, IL
Joined: 05.07.2010

Aug 10 @ 12:25 PM ET
Tough week for those of you who grew up watching Mikita and his passing.

I was brought into hockey because my parents were passionate fans. Their first date was a hockey game. When I was 5 the Bears were becoming a super contender, the Bulls were about to draft Jordan, and the Cubs had just completed their epic melt down vs the Padres. Becoming a Hawks fan was tough....only getting to see half the games because of the utter stupidity that was Bill Wirtz. IT was, and still is, a very small knit fan base no matter how badly McDonough wants to exploit and market the brand across main stream channels (see a tent at Lolapoolza) or what you have.

My dad had met Mikita and Hull at a hardware store signing by his house and always told us how genuine hockey players were.

Learning about Hull I respected his game but despised him as a person and still do. You won't see articles like you have on Mikita be written about Hull. however that night in 2008 vs San Jose when Stan, Hull, and Tony O drove out in their white convertible was amazing to see the older generation of fans, my parents included, having their heroes welcomed back after a generation of Wirtz's ruined and almost downright killed the Blackhawk franchise. Each game no matter how ridiculous it got it was always great to see Mikita and Hull shown on the Jumbo Tron but I always noted that NOT every time Stan would be there, but you would be sure Hull be...seeking the attention.

It's great Stan was a helluva hockey player, but it's better that he was a such an amazing person off the ice that he touched so many and helped build a generation and future generation of loyal Hawks fans. For that I am grateful.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Aug 10 @ 12:29 PM ET
If Larkin got $6.1 million Stan will give Schmaltz $8 million.

Seriously though, $6.0 - $6.5 million would be what I expect, hopefully for more than 5 years.

- DarthKane


You joke, but given his track record, it's very likely that Stan will likely give Schmaltz $6.5-$7mil (even though I'd take Larkin over Schmaltz) bc its Stan Bowman and that's just what he does.
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