Legendary Chicago Blackhawks and Canadian ice hockey player Dennis Hull has passed away at the age of 81, as announced recently.
Hull, who was renowned for playing alongside his superstar brother Bobby Hull in Chicago and for aiding Canada in securing victory at the 1972 Summit Series, died on Saturday morning. This was confirmed by his former team, although additional details have not yet been released.
His passing follows closely on the heels of another profound loss in the hockey community, with the recent death of NHL icon Claude Lemieux, who tragically took his own life at 60 on Thursday morning.
The news of Hull’s passing was initially shared by his nephew, Bart, via social media, prior to an official statement being issued by the Blackhawks from owner Rocky Wirtz.
Hull’s career spanned 14 seasons, with 13 of those dedicated to the Chicago Blackhawks before concluding with a final season at the Detroit Red Wings. During his career, he participated in five All-Star Games and earned a spot as a second-team NHL All-Star for the 1972-73 season.
“Dennis had an illustrious career defined by his scoring prowess and reliability, leaving a significant impact not only on the Blackhawks franchise but on the sport as a whole,” expressed Wirtz.
Blackhawks and Canada legend Dennis Hull has died at the age of 81, it has been announced
Hull (left) pictured with brother and fellow Chicago icon Bobby (right), who died in 2023, and nephew Bart (center)
‘Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it. He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.’
While older brother Bobby was excluded from playing for Canada against the Soviet Union in ’72 because he was in the World Hockey Association, Dennis went and had two goals and two assists in four games, playing on a line with New York Rangers stars Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert.
Hull had 303 goals and 351 assists for 654 points in 959 regular-season NHL games. He also had another 67 points in 104 playoff games, during an era when Chicago came close but never won the Stanley Cup.
Bobby, who died in 2023 at the age of 84, played in both the NHL and the World Hockey Association for the Blackhawks, the Winnipeg Jets and the Hartford Whalers. During his time in Chicago, he got his hands on the Stanley Cup in 1961.
It has been a sad week for the hockey community after the deaths of both Hull and Lemieux, who was found in a warehouse for the family’s furniture business by one of his sons early Thursday morning having hanged himself.
According to the authorities, deputies responded just after 3am to the scene of an apparent suicide at the store in Lake Park, Florida.
Lemieux’s sudden passing came just three days after he served as the ceremonial ‘torch bearer’ for the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre before their Eastern Conference Final Game 3 matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The controversial winger, who was known for his aggressive style of play, is survived by wife Deborah and his four children – Claudia, 29, and sons Christopher, 37, Michael, 34, and Brendan, 30. It is unclear which of his sons found him on Thursday.
His passing comes just days after another NHL icon, Claude Lemieux, died by suicide at 60
Brendan, who played seven seasons in the NHL for five teams, currently plays in Switzerland with HC Davos. He and his dad are the only father-son duo in NHL history to be punished by the league for biting other players.
Following the tragic news of his suicide, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account Thursday night: ‘Claude Lemieux, a true Legend of the Game, and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away.
‘Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous “TRUMP” supporter. He won 4 Stanley Cups with 3 different Teams — Montreal, New Jersey , and Colorado — His 80 Career Playoff Goals rank among the All Time Greats.’
Trump continued in his Truth Social post: ‘Brendan, my thoughts are with you, Deborah, and the whole Lemieux family — You and your Dad were Warriors on the Ice. Claude will be missed by all who love Winning and Toughness. #MAGA President DONALD J. TRUMP’.
