CHICAGO — Stan Mikita, arguably the greatest player in Blackhawks history, didn't have to be heard to make an impact.
While Mikita was on his way to becoming the team's all-time leading scorer, he helped found the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association: an Ashburn-based organization that provides deaf and hard-of-hearing hockey players the opportunities to improve their skills and self esteem.
The association, which debuted in 1973, is highlighted by a yearly camp at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in suburban Woodridge, where as many as 100 players from across the country learn from professional, college and amateur coaches.
Justin Breen discusses why Mikita helped start the organization:
On Friday, the 74-year-old Mikita's family released a statement that the Blackhawks legend was "facing some serious health issues" and had been diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, "a progressive disease and is currently under the care of compassionate and understanding care givers."
"When he was in better health, Stan was always on the ice at the camp," said Karen Wonoski, who's on the association's board and whose 26-year-old, Mike, has been a camp participant every year since he was 6.
"Practically every kid at the camp has a picture with Stan posing with them," Karen Wonoski added. "I just can't say enough about the difference it's made in the players across the country's lives."
Mikita, who has a Hawks-best 1,467 points, also is second in franchise history with 541 goals. He played all 22 years of his NHL career in Chicago and won the Stanley Cup in 1961.
Twelve years later, he co-founded the association with the late Chicago businessman Irv Tiahnybik, a friend of Mikita's who had a deaf son, Lex, who loved hockey.
"When it started, it was a very small group of players," Karen Wonoski said. "The program has blossomed since then."
Sans travel expenses, the weeklong summer camp is free for participating players who range from 8 years old to college-age. In the past, Mikita brought Blackhawks greats Bobby Hull, Chris Chelios and the late Keith Magnuson to help him coach. The camp is now led by Illinois native, former NHLer and current Red Wings assistant coach Tony Granato.
"If Stan never stepped up and did this with Irv, there may not be a deaf hockey organization," Karen Wonoski said. "They've played such a huge part in these kids' lives."
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