Stan Mikita was born in the Slovak Republic but the hockey player has called Chicago home – on and off the ice – for decades. He spent his entire career with the Chicago Blackhawks; and over those 22 years, he collected some pretty impressive hardware: He was the first player to win the Hart, Ross and Lady Byng trophies in the same season—meaning he was the season’s most valuable, highest scoring player who also demonstrated the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct. Mikita also earned one of those big rings that goes along with winning the Stanley Cup. And soon, a bronze likeness of good old No. 21 will stand outside the United Center.

Now, fans can relive Mikita’s career through photos and personal stories thanks to the new book Forever a Blackhawk. Mikita teamed up with former Chicago Tribune columnist and Blackhawks team historian Bob Verdi to put it all together and “Stosh” joined Eight Forty-Eight to give a preview of the book. Mikita will be signing copies at Anderson’s Bookshop in Downer’s Grove Thursday night from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.