Bobby Hull
The Golden Jet who led the Black Hawks to a 1961 Stanley Cup, became the first NHL player to score over 50 goals in a season (54 in 1965–66), and won two Hart Memorial Trophies as league MVP.
Robert Marvin Hull (January 3, 1939 – January 30, 2023) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Known as 'the Golden Jet' for his blond hair, skating speed, end-to-end rushes, and ability to shoot at very high velocity, he played for the Chicago Black Hawks from 1957 until joining the WHA in 1972. Hull led the NHL in goals seven times and became the first player to score more than 50 goals in a season, finishing with 54 in 1965–66. He helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup in 1961, their first title in 23 years. A two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner and three-time Art Ross Trophy recipient, Hull's dominance defined an era of high-speed hockey.
- Role
- Left Wing
- Affiliation
- Chicago Black Hawks
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Inductee (1983)
- Jersey Number
- 9
- Major Honours
- Stanley Cup Champion (1961), Hart Memorial Trophy Winner (2x), Art Ross Trophy W
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Hull's influence reshaped equipment rules and fan expectations. His 'banana blade' stick curvature, shared with teammate Stan Mikita, created unpredictable puck trajectories that terrified goalies who rarely wore masks then. This led to the 'Bobby Hull Rule,' originally limiting curvature between 0.5 in (13 mm) and 0.75 in (19 mm), later standardized at 0.5 in in 1970. His slapshot was once clocked at 118.3 mph (190.5 km/h), though his wrist shot was reportedly harder during his drive to break the 50-goal barrier. Hull wore number 9 as a tribute to childhood idol Gordie Howe, having previously worn numbers 16 and 7. By his third season (1959–60), he achieved the rare double of leading the league in both goals and points, repeating this feat in 1961–62 and 1965–66.
In Their Own Story
On March 12, 1966, the Chicago Stadium faithful witnessed history as Hull scored his 51st goal against Cesare Maniago of the New York Rangers. The moment earned a seven-minute standing ovation, cementing his status as the first NHL player to surpass Maurice Richard's and Bernie Geoffrion's marks of 50 goals. That season, he finished with 54 goals—the highest single-season total of the Original Six era—and set a new points record of 97, breaking Dickie Moore's mark by one point. The following year, teammate Stan Mikita tied Hull's record before Phil Esposito broke it three years later. Despite setting a career NHL high of 107 points and breaking his own goals-in-a-season record by four (58) in 1968–69, the Hawks missed the playoffs for the first time since Hull's rookie season.
Reader's Guide
Bobby Hull played left wing for the Chicago Black Hawks from 1957 to 1972 before moving to the WHA. His career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup in 1961, two Hart Memorial Trophies (NHL MVP), and three Art Ross Trophies (leading scorer). He led the NHL in goals seven times, a feat second only to one player in history, and scored 50 or more goals five times—a record that stood until all other players combined surpassed it. Hull joined the 400-goal club on January 7 of the 1967–68 season. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017. His jersey number 9 remains a symbol of his era-defining speed and scoring prowess.
Did You Know?
- Hull's slapshot was clocked at 118.3 mph (190.5 km/h), though his wrist shot was reportedly harder during his push to break the 50-goal mark.
- He became only the second player in hockey history to score 1,000 combined goals (NHL and WHA) when he reached the milestone against the Quebec Nordiques on March 11, 1978.
- Hull led the NHL in goal-scoring seven times during the 1960s alone.
- His famous number 9 was chosen as a tribute to his childhood idol, Gordie Howe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bobby Hull?
Often called the "Golden Jet," this Hall of Fame inductee played left wing and defined an era of dominance for Chicago during the 1960s. He revolutionized the sport with his unmatched speed and a wrist shot that was recorded as the fastest ever at the time.
What jersey number did Bobby Hull wear?
Hull famously wore jersey number 9 throughout his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. This number remains one of the most iconic symbols in franchise history due to his legendary status as a Hall of Fame inductee.
What major awards did Bobby Hull win?
During his career with the Black Hawks, he secured major honors including the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP and a Stanley Cup championship title. These accolades cemented his legacy as one of the most transformative figures in team history.
Why is Bobby Hull considered important to the franchise?
His importance lies in his ability to alter the game's pace, forcing opponents to adapt to his incredible velocity on the rink. He was more than just a scorer; he completely transformed how athletes moved and used the available playing area.
What is Bobby Hull's current legacy status?
Now retired and enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, his story ends with a lasting reputation for shattering records and redefining speed. The "Golden Jet" remains universally recognized by fans as one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and red jersey.
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