Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, who leads the Blackhawks in all-time scores, passed away at the age of 84.
“The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Bobby Hull has passed away at the age of 84,” the NHL Alumni Association announced in a statement on Twitter. “Hull was a driven player who always gave fans a memorable experience at every game and brought them to their feet. In his retirement, ‘The Golden Jet’ was never in a rush to sign every autograph as an ambassador for the Blackhawks.
The historic figure’s career in the league began in 1957 with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played 15 seasons with the team. During his time with the franchise, he became the all-time leader in scores and is largely credited for the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup win in 1961, ending a 23-year title drought.
Needless to say, the loss of this player is being felt throughout the entire organization. “We send our deepest sympathies to the Hull family,” his former team said in a statement. “The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They appreciate the sympathies that have been sent their way.”
The player’s impact on the Blackhawks was so significant that chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement one of his first goals was to meet the legend.
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NHL figures mourn the loss of Bobby Hull
“When I assumed leadership of the organization upon my father’s passing in 2007, one of my first priorities was to meet with Bobby to convince him to come back as an ambassador of the team,” Witz shared, according to Fox News. “His connection to our fans was special and irreplaceable. On behalf of the entire Wirtz family, I offer our deepest condolences on the loss of Bobby.”
Hull, who was commonly referred to as the Golden Jet because of his striking blonde hair, played 15 seasons with Chicago and closed out his team career with 604 total goals. In fact, his shot was so impressive that many other players feared its power, as it was reportedly clocked at 118 mph.
“When Bobby Hull wound up to take a slap shot, fans throughout the NHL rose to their feet in anticipation, and opposing goaltenders braced themselves,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said of the Hall of Famer’s slap shot.
“During his prime, there was no more prolific goal-scorer in all of hockey. … We send our deepest condolences to his son, fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Brett; the entire Hull family; and the countless fans around the hockey world who were fortunate enough to see him play or have since marveled at his exploits.”
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