Chico Maki

Chico Maki (born Ronald Patrick Maki on August 17, 1939 – August 24, 2015) was a Canadian ice hockey forward who played his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Chicago Black Hawks.

He was the older brother of former NHL player Wayne Maki.

Playing Career
Chico grew up in northern Ontario and played Tier Two with his hometown Sault Ste Marie North Stars when he was 16 years old before heading south to join the St. Catharines Teepees of the OHA, headed by legendary general manager Rudy Pilous.

In his first year with the Teepees, Chico played a checking role, with his main objective to stop the opposition�s top forwards. By his second year, he received more offensive responsibilities and it showed in his offensive numbers. He also played alongside the likes of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.

In 1958-59, he was one of the team leaders and contributed 41 goals and 94 points in 54 games.

Despite the fact that Chico had improved his all-around game, he was essentially ignored by the NHL, and specifically the Chicago Blackhawks, were already rich in talent at the forward positions.

With limited options of where he could play, he decided to return to the Teepees for a fourth season in 1959-60 where he was one of the team's offensive leaders and an instrumental force in helping St. Catharines to win the Memorial Cup championship.

Due to Chico's strong play with the Teepees, he got a full-time roster spot with the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL & in the fall of 1962, he had earned himself a place with the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL where he remained for duration of his 13-year NHL career.

Chico's best season from an offensive point of view was in 1970-71 when he tallied 22 goals and 48 points.

He and the Blackhawks twice advanced to the Stanley Cup finals, coming up on the losing end both times to the Montreal Canadiens in 1971 and 1973.

Death
On August 26, 2015, Chico died at his home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada at the age of 76.

In his NHL career, he collected 143 goals and 292 assists in 841 regular-season games & added 17 goals and 53 points in 113 playoff games.