Chicago Mourns Dennis Hull: Blackhawks Legend and 'Silver Jet' Dies at 81
Dennis Hull, the five-time All-Star Blackhawks forward known as the 'Silver Jet,' has died at 81. He played 13 seasons in Chicago, scored 303 goals, and helped Canada win the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.
The Chicago Blackhawks lost one of their most recognizable figures this weekend. Dennis Hull, the five-time All-Star forward known as the "Silver Jet," died Friday night at age 81.
His brother Garry Hull confirmed the death. Nephew Bart Hull announced it on social media Saturday morning. The Blackhawks followed with an official statement from owner Rocky Wirtz.
"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," Wirtz said. "Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it."
A Career Defined by Chicago
Hull played 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks, from 1964 to 1977. He finished his career with 303 goals and 351 assists for 654 points in 959 regular-season games, according to NHL records. He added 67 points in 104 playoff games.
He appeared in five NHL All-Star Games, including four consecutive seasons from 1970-71 through 1973-74. He was named a Second Team NHL All-Star in 1972-73.
His best season came in 1973, when he recorded 39 goals and 51 assists for 90 points. That season, he helped lead Chicago to the Stanley Cup Finals. Hull led the team in the playoffs with 9 goals and 15 assists for 24 points, according to NHL records. Chicago ultimately fell short of the Cup.
He played in three Stanley Cup Finals with Chicago: 1965, 1971, and 1973.
The Shadow of the Golden Jet
Hull will always be connected to his older brother Bobby Hull, the Hockey Hall of Famer known as the "Golden Jet." The brothers were teammates in Chicago for eight seasons. Bobby, who died in January 2023 at age 84, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Dennis carved his own identity. He earned the nickname "Silver Jet" and became one of the league's most consistent scorers. His peak years came on the "MPH" line with center Pit Martin and right wing Jim Pappin, a unit considered among the best in the NHL in the early 1970s.
The Summit Series
One of the defining moments of Hull's career came off the ice in 1972. When Canada challenged the Soviet Union in the historic Summit Series, Bobby Hull was excluded because he had joined the rival World Hockey Association. Dennis initially planned to boycott the event in solidarity with his brother. Bobby persuaded him to play.
Hull stepped in on a line with New York Rangers stars Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert. He recorded two goals and two assists in four games as Canada won the series, according to Hockey Hall of Fame records.
Life After the Ice
After retiring from the NHL, Hull returned to his hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario. He earned a degree in History and Physical Education from Brock University. He taught at Ridley College and later served as athletic director at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
He became a public speaker and comedian. He co-ran a cattle farm raising Polled Hereford with his brother Garry in Northumberland County, Ontario. He also authored a memoir titled The Third Best Hull.
"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," Wirtz said.
No further details about the circumstances of his death were released.