The Complicated Life of Bobby Hull

Introduction

Bobby Hull is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He is known for his excellent skating and wrist shot and was the first player to shoot the puck at over 100 miles per hour. Hull was a two-time Hart Trophy winner and won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Although Hull was a successful hockey player, his life has been filled with both successes and disappointments. This article will explore the complicated life of Bobby Hull.

Early Life

Bobby Hull was born in Pointe Anne, Ontario in 1939. He was the eldest of three children and grew up in poverty. His father, Robert, worked as a miner and his mother, Agnes, was a homemaker. Bobby had a natural talent for hockey and developed his skills by playing in local leagues. At the age of 15, he was scouted by the Chicago Blackhawks and was signed to a junior hockey contract.

Career with the Blackhawks

In 1957, Hull joined the Chicago Blackhawks and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. He was renowned for his skating ability and powerful wrist shot, which he was able to shoot at over 100 miles per hour. He was named to the NHL All-Star team six times and won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 1965 and 1966. In 1961, Hull helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup, their first in 23 years.

Departure from the Blackhawks

In 1972, Hull left the Blackhawks to join the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Hull signed a ten-year, $2.75 million contract with the Jets, making him the highest-paid player in professional hockey. Hull was a dominant force in the WHA, leading the Jets to three Avco Cup championships.

Return to the NHL

In 1979, Hull returned to the NHL when the Jets were accepted into the league. He finished his career with the Hartford Whalers, playing in two games in the 1980-81 season. He retired in 1983 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame later that year.

Family Life

Hull married Joanne McKay in 1959 and the couple had four children. The couple divorced in 1972 and Hull eventually married Deborah St. Amour in 1985. Hull also had a son with another woman, but did not acknowledge him until he was an adult.

Business Ventures

After retiring from hockey, Hull started several business ventures. He started a chain of car dealerships, an ice hockey school, and a hockey equipment company. He also wrote an autobiography, My Story, which was published in 1984.

Financial Struggles

Hull faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He declared bankruptcy in 1992, and was unable to pay his taxes. He had to declare bankruptcy again in 2020, citing medical bills and legal fees as the main reason for his financial woes.

Health Issues

Hull suffered from several health issues in recent years. In 2016, he suffered a stroke and had to undergo surgery for a heart condition. In 2018, he was diagnosed with dementia, which has affected his ability to speak and remember things.

Legacy

Bobby Hull is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He revolutionized the game with his blazing speed and powerful slap shot. He is a two-time Hart Trophy winner and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Hull is also remembered for his business ventures and his complicated personal life.

Conclusion

Bobby Hull is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Despite his success on the ice, Hull faced many difficulties in his personal life. He declared bankruptcy twice and suffered from a number of health issues in recent years. Despite his struggles, Hull remains a beloved figure in the hockey world and will be remembered for his accomplishments on and off the ice.