Hockey player Bobby Hull has died at age 84, the Chicago Blackhawks confirmed Monday.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are saddened by the passing of Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, a superstar for our franchise between 1957 and 1972,” the Blackhawks said in a media release.
“Hull is part of an elite group of players who made a historic impact on our hockey club,” the statement said.
“The Golden Jet delivered countless memories to our fans, whom he adored.”
Hull was born on Jan. 3, 1939 in Pointe Anne, Ont., which is at present, part of the city of Belleville. He started playing for the Blackhawks early at the age of 18.
Hull helped lead the Chicago Blackhawks to the team’s first Stanley Cup in 23 years in 1961.
Over a 23 year long career, Hull played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers and the World Hockey Association’s Winnipeg Jets over a 23-year career. He had 610 goals and 560 assists in 1,063 regular-season NHL games.
He was at the centre of a struggle between the NHL and players in 1972 over pay. His decision to switch to the WHA to play for the Winnipeg Jets, a move that improved the salaries of NHL players and won him significant praise.
The move also made him the first player to sign a million-dollar contract.
Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer and friend of Hull, said on Twitter that there was never a dull moment with Hull, and that his thoughts are with his family.
“Sad to hear of the passing of friend and fellow Canuck Bobby Hull,” Jenkins said on Twitter. “One of the greatest to ever lace them up. Never a dull moment with Bobby, we’ll miss you pal. My thoughts are with the Hull family.”
Hull was not without his own controversies, however.
Later in life, his personal legacy became mired by allegations of abuse in his marriages. And in 1986, he was convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened in a struggle between him and his wife, Deborah. While she didn’t press charges, the officer did.
His second wife, accused him of abuse on multiple occasions, alleging that in 1966 he hit her with a shoe, and in 1978, he threatened her with a gun.
Hull announced his retirement during the 1978-1979 season, but made a return to the NHL the next year when it merged with the WHA, playing less than a complete season.
Following a brief comeback in 1981 with the New York Rangers, he retired and the Blackhawks retired his number nine jersey. He also served as the Blackhawks ambassador for part of the 2021-2022 season.
Hull is survived by his wife, Deborah and five children.