Hockey great Jean Beliveau suffered a mild stroke and is recovering in hospital, officials at the McGill University Health Centre confirmed Friday. His condition is said to be improving.

CTV News first reported Thursday that the 78-year-old Montreal Canadiens legend suffered a stroke Wednesday night and was transported to the Montreal General Hospital.

He is now in the neurological department, and doctors believe at this point his life is not in danger.

"Jean Beliveau is currently recovering at the Montreal General Hospital ... after suffering a mild stroke," the MUHC said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

"His condition continues to improve under the care of MUHC physicians.

"Beliveau and his family wish to thank the public for their support, and request that their privacy be respected at this time."

Houle shocked

Former teammate Rejean Houle was supposed to meet Beliveau this past Monday, but Beliveau had to cancel because of a doctor's appointment.

Houle found out Thursday morning that Beliveau was in hospital when he talked to his daughter, Helene.

Meanwhile another former teammate, Dickie Moore, was not aware Beliveau was in hospital, and told CTV News: "I am relieved to hear it's not life threatening."

Hockey legend

Beliveau was one of the greatest members of the Canadiens.

He played on ten Stanley Cup-winning teams, and has been a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame since 1972.

"Le Gros Bill" was called up to play for the Canadiens in the 1950-51 and 1952-53 seasons, finally joining the club full-time for the 1953-54 season.

By the end of 1971, Beliveau had scored 507 goals, made 712 assists in regular season games, with another 79 goals and 97 in the playoffs.

He served as captain for 10 years -- a record tied by Saku Koivu.

When he retired from the ice, his jersey was too, with #4 placed in the rafters on Oct. 9, 1971.

Beliveau then went on to join the Canadiens management team, and as a result his name appears on the Stanley Cup 17 times -- ten times as a player, and seven as an executive.

Beliveau is also the honourary captain of the 2010 Men's Olympic Hockey Team, and of course, his statue is one of four that stands outside the Bell Centre.

Other health issues

In 2000, Beliveau was successfully treated for a malignant cancerous tumour.

The battle was difficult -- Beliveau reportedly lost 30 pounds while being treated.

In December 2008, Believeau was taken to hospital after collapsing while attending the funeral service for Father Paul Aquin.

He was soon released, having suffered nothing more than a drop in blood pressure.