Dennis Hull, the two-way NHL forward who helped Canada win the 1972 Summit Series and starred for the Chicago Blackhawks alongside brother Bobby Hull, has died at 81, his brother Garry said. Hull played most of his career in Chicago, earned five All-Star selec
CHICAGO — Dennis Hull walked into the ice for Canada in 1972 when his older brother couldn’t. Friday night, he died at 81, his brother Garry said.
Hull’s death was also confirmed Saturday by his nephew Bart Hull on social media. The Chicago Blackhawks followed with a statement from owner Danny Wirtz, the only additional details shared as the hockey world reacted to the loss.
Hull spent 13 of 14 seasons in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, then played one final year with the Detroit Red Wings. He appeared in five All-Star Games and was voted a second-team NHL All-Star in 1972-73.
Wirtz’s statement carried the weight of a franchise and a league remembering the same man. “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. 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.”.
That dual reputation — fearsome competitor and steady presence — matched the role he played in the 1972 Summit Series. Bobby Hull was excluded from playing for Canada against the Soviet Union because he was with the World Hockey Association. but Dennis was there. In four games. he recorded two goals and two assists. playing on a line with New York Rangers stars Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert.
Numbers tell part of the story, but not all of it. Dennis Hull finished his regular-season career with 303 goals and 351 assists for 654 points in 959 NHL games. In the playoffs, he added 67 points in 104 games, an era when Chicago regularly came close but never won the Stanley Cup.
Bobby Hull — the Hall of Famer known as the “Golden Jet” — died at 84 in January 2023. Now Dennis Hull is gone too, leaving behind a legacy that stretches from Chicago’s dressing room to Canada’s most defining 1972 moment against the Soviets.
Dennis Hull Chicago Blackhawks Canada 1972 Summit Series Bobby Hull Detroit Red Wings NHL Jean Ratelle Rod Gilbert Danny Wirtz
RIP Dennis. Summit Series was wild.
Wait I thought Bobby was the one who played the 1972 series? But it says Dennis went in for him? Kinda confusing honestly. Either way, sad news.
So Bobby couldn’t play because he was in the WHA… but like doesn’t that mean Dennis just filled in? I feel like the headline makes it sound like something dramatic happened like last minute, idk. Also 81 is way too young for hockey people to be gone.
My grandpa loved the Blackhawks and always mentioned the Hull brothers, but I swear he said they were brothers-in-law or something? Now it’s like Dennis did most of his career in Chicago and then one year with Detroit… seems like a short ending. Anyway terrible loss, and I guess Canada really owes him for 1972. Hockey trivia is weird but yeah RIP.