Former New York Rangers player Bobby Hull, dubbed the "Golden Jet" for his blond hair and incredible speed on the ice, has passed away at the age of 84.
He was an NHL All-Star for 12 consecutive seasons and a member of the 1961 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. There are two Hart Trophies to his name. Hull spent 15 years with the Blackhawks and is still their career goals leader.
His slap shot, recorded at 118 miles per hour, and curved blade made him famous. Hull won the scoring title three times and the MVP award twice in his career. When he signed a $1 million contract to play for the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association, he set a new standard for athletes in the industry.
Hull helped the Jets to two Avco Cup victories, and he finished his career with over 600 goals and 500 assists, two MVP awards, and two retirements. Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League, calls him a "true superstar" and points out that he entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Both the Blackhawks and the Jets have retired his number nine in honor of him, and his son Brett is following in his footsteps by becoming a Hall of Famer as well. Hull's off-ice life was just as turbulent as his on-ice career, with allegations of domestic abuse and controversy over his remarks about race and Hitler overshadowing his hockey prowess.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
