Any Canadian hockey fan would admit that hockey is not just a game, but a part of their consciousness. Bobby Hull is one of the many legends who have captivated Canadian hockey fans with his exceptional skills and achievements. Why Bobby Hull? You will find answers in this post that takes you on a journey through the life and career of Bobby Hull, who is considered to be one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. The first million dollar athlete on the planet!
Rise of a Prodigy
Born on January 03, 1939, in Pointe Anne, Ontario, Bobby Hull’s love affair with the game began in childhood when he received a pair of ice skates as a Christmas present on his third birthday. He picked up speed on the ice by skating near the frozen surface of Bay near his home. Over the years, his interest in the game increased and he started playing minor hockey and Junior B hockey in his teens. He played Junior B Hockey for Woodstock Warriors, leading them to victory in Sutherland Cup of 1955. Over the next two years, he played for Galt Black Hawks (1955) and St. Catharine’s Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association before starting his iconic career with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1957. This marked the beginning of a successful NHL career that earned him a nickname “The Golden Jet” for his solid shooting ability and quick moves on the ice.
Image courtesy: Hockey Hall of Fame
As we journey through the illustrious career achievements of Bobby Hull, it is essential to throw light on his achievements in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). Let’s explore the records, milestones, and unforgettable moments that make him a true hockey icon.
● Bobby Hull started playing as a center and later forward for the Black Hawks.
● In his debut season in 1957-1958, he scored just thirteen goals, which rose to 18 goals in 1958-1959 season; and thirty-nine goals in the 1959-1960 season.
● The 1959-1960 season was the turning point in Hull’s career where he led the league in goal-and-point scoring (Art Ross Trophy).
● He led the Black Hawks to the Stanley Cup in 1961, which was the first win for the team in 23 years.
● In 1966, Hull became the first player in NHL history to score more than 50 goals in a season with eighty-four total points.
● He received a standing ovation for his 51st goal against the New York Rangers and earned overall 54 goals that season.
● Hull led the league with the most goals for the next three seasons and scored 58 goals in the1968-69 season.
● In 1965 and 1966, Hull won the Hart’s Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the regular season and the Lady Byng Trophy for the NHL in 1965.
● In 1972, Hull joined the World Hockey Association’s Winnipeg Jets on a signing amount of $1.75 million, making him the highest paid athlete in the world.
● He instantly became the most popular player in WHA winning the Gordie Howe Trophy in 1972-73 and 1974-75.
● He led the Jets to two AVCO Cup victories in 1976 and 1978. The championship of the World Hockey Association.
● By 1974-75, Hull was at the peak of his career with 77 goals, 65 assists, and 142 points.
● During his time with NHL, Hull played 1,063 games, with 610 goals and 560 assists; while at WHA, he played 411 games, with 303 goals and 335 assists.
● Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Image Courtesy: Hockey Hall of Fame
Analysis of Speed, Skill, and Style of Bobby Hull on the Ice
The speed, skill, and style of Bobby Hull is what made him different from other ice hockey players on the ice.
● Hull’s slapshot hit speeds at 119 miles per hour, that is why he is known as the master of slapshot.
● His slapshots were so powerful that goaltenders dreaded facing it, and he always found the tiniest chinks in the goalie’s armor and exploited them.
● Like his slapshot, Hull was also known for his speed on skates. He accelerated at a lightning speed and blazed past his defenders as if they were standing still. He could skate at 29.7 mph (47.8km/h) without a puck and 28.3 mph with a puck.
● Hull’s wrist shot was considered to be one of the hardest, which he displayed during his zeal to achieve the 50-goal mark. It was timed at 105 mph and his backhand was timed at 96 mph.
● D'Arcy Jenish of Maclean's described him as "At the height of his career, in the mid-1960s, Bobby Hull was one of hockey's most captivating performers. He dazzled his fans with rinklong rushes and intimidated goalies with a fearsome slapshot."
● Bobby Hull’s style on the ice made him different from others. He always played with a flair that made an indelible mark on fan’s minds.
● His iconic blonde hair flowing out from under his helmet, his slapshot, skating speed, and charisma on the ice made him the “Golden Jet”. A charisma that transcended the game.
Hull's Slapshot
A Legacy Preserved: Celebrating Bobby Hull's Signature
Any Canadian sports fan can't help but feel a sense of pride when they remember Bobby Hull. Starting from a small skating rink in his hometown of Pointe Anne, Ontario, to the grand arenas of NHL and WHA, Hull's journey from a young boy to a living legend is a story that resonates with us all.
Bobby Hull's legacy is not just confined to record books; rather, it lives on in the hearts of hockey fans across the globe. Every sports fan understands the importance of Bobby Hull’s signature. How much is a Bobby Hull autograph worth? The worthiness of the signature cannot be estimated; still the legacy of this player can be celebrated through autographed items like lithographs, pucks, photos, jerseys, and more! His impact on the game is immeasurable, and his name will forever be etched in hockey history. Do you want to own a piece of history for yourself? If yes, then you can contact us at Autograph Authentic. All autographed items are 100% guaranteed and include a serial-numbered Hologram with a matching COA. Detailed COAs and legal commissioned documents are available upon request.
Image Courtesy: Hockey Hall of Fame