NHL star Dennis Hull, ’72 Summit Series hero, dead at 81

Dennis Hull, the versatile NHL forward who achieved prominence playing alongside his celebrated elder brother Bobby Hull for Chicago and was instrumental in Canada’s triumph in the 1972 Summit Series, passed away Friday evening, as reported by his brother Garry. He was 81 years old.

His passing was publicly confirmed by his nephew Bart Hull on social media Saturday, which was subsequently followed by an official announcement from the team’s owner, Rocky Wirtz. No additional information regarding his death has been made public.

Hull dedicated 13 out of his 14 professional seasons in the league to Chicago before concluding his career with a final year playing for the Detroit Red Wings. He participated in five all-star selections and was recognized as a second-team NHL all-star for the 1972-73 season.

“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.”

While his sibling Bobby was unable to compete for Canada against the Soviet Union in ’72 due to his affiliation with the World Hockey Association, Dennis participated, contributing two goals and two assists across four games, playing on a line with New York Rangers standouts Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert.

Hull amassed a total of 303 goals and 351 assists, accumulating 654 points over 959 regular-season NHL contests. He added another 67 points in 104 playoff appearances during an era when Chicago came close to securing the Stanley Cup but ultimately fell short.

Bobby Hull, the esteemed Hall of Famer widely known as the “Golden Jet,” passed away at the age of 84 in January of 2023.

The Hull siblings originated from a large family of 11 children, growing up in the modest agricultural community of Point Anne, Ontario.