Bobby Hull has been widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Unfortunately as generations pass, legends of before become lesser known among the newer fans of hockey who have never seen them play and only hear the stories of beforehand . It’s what have you done lately not what was accomplished in the past.
Few weeks ago I wrote my article on “ Mount Rushmore: The Iconic 5.” The article highlighted who I see today as the greatest 5 hockey players who changed the game of hockey.
What happens is players like ‘Bobby Hull ‘gets left off many people’s list because he played so many decades ago. I have also found that many players on-ice performance and attributes they brought to the game gets lost when they are involved in several off-ice controversies throughout their life.
Bobby Hull happens to be one of those players among many. Some of the most notable off-ice controversies in the life of Bobby Hull included: (The following are recorded in archives and not of just mere speculation)
Domestic violence allegations: Hull was accused of physically abusing his wives, with his second wife, Joanne, filing a police report in 1986 alleging he had punched her and pulled her hair.
Anti-Semitic and misogynistic statements: In a 1998 interview with a Russian newspaper, Hull made anti-Semitic and misogynistic comments, stating that “Hitler, for example, had some good ideas” and that women “should stay in the kitchen and cook.” He later apologized for his remarks but it is pretty tough to put out a fire that you made and have people forgot you were the cause of that fire in the first place.
Support for Vladimir Putin: Hull has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, attending a 2017 event honouring Putin’s contributions to hockey and praising his leadership.
Lawsuits and financial issues: Hull has been involved in various legal disputes over the years, including a lawsuit filed by his estranged daughter, Michelle, alleging he owed her money. He has also faced financial difficulties, filing for bankruptcy back in 2003.
These controversies did tarnish Hull’s legacy, with many fans and media pundits causing organizations to start distancing themselves from him.
Despite his on-ice achievements, his off-ice actions have had significant consequences. If you ask anyone today about Bobby Hull who is under 50 years of age and you will probably get statements like “ The Golden Jet” , Had a slapshot, incredible player one of the greats. While many pundits will have Bobby Hull in their Top 10 All-0Time NHL players, very little know about him. What I wanted to do in this article is highlight some things for hockey fans of today about Bobby Hull and if anything help them get a closer look into who Bobby Hull was on the ice and not just known for off-ice antics and mistakes.
While in no way do we condone the off-ice issues that occurred Bobby Hull is a hockey legend and hopefully after reading this article you will feel like you know the ‘Golden Jet’ as one of the greatest Hockey players to every play the game. If you will allow me and follow a bit more here, let me share some stories of Bobby Hull’s past and achievements that showcase his leadership and impact on the game:
“The Golden Jet”: Hull earned this nickname due to his blonde hair and incredible speed on the ice. He was known for his powerful skating and ability to dominate games. Today many of you witness skaters dominating the game in head to head battles but Hull dominated no different than the Orr’s and Gretzky’s of the NHL.
Bobby Hull finished his career with 610 Goals in the NHL, a record that stood for over a decade. He was the first player to reach the 600-goal milestone in NHL history. Still decades later he sits 18th overall having played only 15 seasons. Hull would be the highest profile player to join the rival Wold Hockey Association (WHA) when he said he would jump leagues for what was considered the absurd sum of 1 million dollars. WHA; Winnipeg Jets owner worked with the other owners and came up with the sum and Hull jumped instantly giving the WHA credibility becoming its premier star. Hulls stats are like his incredible talent, simply stunning to look at. 610 goals and 1,170 points in the NHL and add to that 303 goals and 638 points in the WHA and you have one of the most amazing offensive players of all time.
Yes people, thats 913 career goals in what amounts to 1,474 games in both leagues.
Hull won the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) twice (1965 and 1966) and was a finalist six times. Hull won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961, scoring the Cup-winning goal. He was a 12-Time All-Star, showcasing his consistent excellence.
Hull was know for what many called “The Shot”: Hull had a powerful and accurate shot, which earned him the nickname “The Shot.” He could shoot the puck over 118 mph. That record is controversial in todays hockey as many believe at his height and old wooden skate it was not possible. They state that technology was not as accurate and no way he could slap the puck faster the the Shea Webers or Zeno Chara’s of the NHL modern era. Between his top flying speed and ability to master the slapshot (he was known as the Master of the slapshot) I for one do believe he should be considered the hardest slapshot in NHL history. (That can be debated of course).Hull was named captain of the Blackhawks in 1965 and led the team to several playoff appearances.
Had a rivalry with Mr. Hockey ‘Gordie Howe’. It was a legendary rivalry with Gordie Howe, with their on-ice battles becoming iconic moments in hockey history.
Hull’s Impact on the Game between his speed, skill, and scoring ability influenced a generation of players and helped popularize hockey in the United States. As far as his on-ice Legacy: Hull’s number 9 jersey is retired by the Blackhawks, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
While taking awhile to collect these stories and achievements I am listing demonstrate Hull’s impressive leadership and impact on the game of hockey. It’s tough to know what happens in locker rooms til years after a player retires as to respect them and to not share certain stories that occur behind the scenes. I have listed a few locker room stories here and anecdotes about Bobby Hull:
Prankster: Hull was known for his sense of humour and love of pranks. He often filled teammates’ equipment with popcorn. In fact Bobby Hull once pulled that prank on teammate and goaltender Glenn Hall. He filled Hall’s goalie pads with popcorn, causing him to burst into laughter during a game! Thought you’d enjoy it! was the response from Hull to Hall. He would also put clear wrap across doorways. (You can witness on video shorts on TikTok or Facebook clear wrap across doorway pranks.)
Superstitions: Many people believe the the tradition of not shaving during the playoffs started with Butch Goring and the New York Islanders Dynasty run. Others credit Bob Nystrom of the NYI. However going back to stories in the 60’s we see Hull had several superstitions, including always putting his equipment on in the same order but in fact would never shave during the playoffs. (Hence while not being credited with the creator of the superstition, I believe it should be credited to Bobby Hull as its the latest recording of this occurrence by a single player)
When it came to Leadership, Hull was a natural leader and would often give pre-game speeches to motivate his teammates. Teammates would comment in interviews how Bobby’s words inspired them and would come out of that dressing room ready to battle with everything that had in them.
When it came to Nicknames, Hull gave many teammates nicknames, including “Moose” Vasko, “Red” Hay, and “Pie” McKenzie. He loved giving the nicknames and having fun with the boys on and off the ice.
Bobby Hull was also known for loving Card games: Hull loved playing cards with teammates on the road, often playing poker or gin rummy.
When it came to Music, Bobby Hull would often sing along to music in the locker room, particularly Elvis Presley songs. Not sure he danced while singing but there are rumours he would act out the singers like Elvis.
It was not uncommon for Bobby Hull to take on younger players under his wing, including legends like Stan Mikita, and taught them the ways of the game. He lived for sharing his knowledge of hockey and it inspired and energized him to build other players games. Hull would often use humour to break the tension after a tough loss, helping to keep the team’s spirits high.
For me these stories give a glimpse into Hull’s personality and his impact on his teammates and the game of hockey, showcasing his leadership, sense of humour, and camaraderie. I believe the one thing about hockey is it is timeless. Moments in time stand still and we remember by iconic moments. While I was not able to witness Bobby Hull’s playing years I did hear many of the stories and over the years was able to see on video film as digital video became more popular.
Whatever happens and whatever you may feel about what happens off the ice with players, let’s not lose track of what they brought to the game of hockey by remembering Hockey History.
Keep on Keeping on!
Evan ‘REV’ Renaerts / You can follow me on X @revingev
For news going on in the hockey world and future Prospects in Jr hockey you can head over to REVS TOP 15 where I post yearly prospects that I see as players who will end with the best careers. (Special thanks to several Scouts and agents around several Hockey leagues across North America & Europe for sending me stats and stories for many places I am unable to be at myself.) Also I post and share several newest updates and rumours around the world of hockey at every level including the NHL.
