Dennis Hull, a five-time All-Star forward for the Chicago Blackhawks and the younger brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, died on Saturday, the team announced. He was 81.
No other details were given with the announcement from Blackhawks owner and CEO Danny Wirtz.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning,” Wirtz said. “Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise but to the game itself.”
Hull played the first 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with Chicago (1964-77) before finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1977-78 after a trade.
He played in five All-Star Games, including four consecutive seasons from the 1970-71 through 1973-74 campaigns, and was selected a second-team NHL All-Star in the 1972-73 season.
Hull totaled 654 points (303 goals, 351 assists) and a plus-22 rating in 959 regular-season games. He also recorded 67 points (33 goals, 34 assists) in 104 playoff games. He played for the Blackhawks in three Stanley Cup Finals (1965, 1971, 1973).
“Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it,” Wirtz said. “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.
“On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him.”
A native of Point Anne, Ontario, Canada, Hull was nicknamed the “Silver Jet” as his brother Bobby was the “Golden Jet.” Bobby Hull, who died in January 2023 at age 84, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Dennis Hull played for Canada against the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series and totaled two goals and two assists in four appearances as Canada triumphed.
