Dennis Hull, Blackhawks legend and brother of Bobby Hull, dies at 81

The hockey world is mourning the loss of former Chicago Blackhawks star and Canadian hockey icon Dennis Hull, who has died at the age of 81. The Blackhawks announced Hull's passing on Saturday, May 30 sharing a tribute on social media and extending condolences to his family. The team wrote on Instagram: "on behalf of the Wirtz family and Chicago Blackhawks organization, we mourn the passing of Dennis Hull,’ adding, we extend our deepest condolences to the Hull family during this time."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks)

Dennis Hull's cause of death: What we know so far

Hull's death was first announced by his nephew, Bart Hull, before the Blackhawks issued an official statement from team owner Rocky Wirtz. Dennis Hull’s cause of death was not immediately disclosed. In a statement released by the organization, Wirtz paid tribute to Hull's impact both on and off the ice.


"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.”

Dennis Hull's death follows the recent suicide of another NHL legend

The devastating news of Dennis Hull's passing comes just days after the hockey community was rocked by the death of another NHL legend, Claude Lemieux, who committed suicide a few days prior at the age of sixty, according to TMZ.

Dennis Hull's career

A key figure in Chicago hockey history, Hull spent 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks before finishing his playing career with the Detroit Red Wings. During his time in Chicago, he earned five NHL All-Star selections and was named a Second-Team NHL All-Star during the 1972-73 season.

Over his NHL career, Hull appeared in 959 regular-season games, scoring 303 goals and adding 351 assists for 654 points. He also contributed 67 points in 104 playoff appearances as Chicago repeatedly contended for the Stanley Cup during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Hull's brother died three years back

Hull's passing comes more than three years after the death of his brother, Hall of Fame winger Bobby Hull, nicknamed ‘The Golden Jet,' who died at age 84 in January 2023. Together, the brothers became two of the most recognizable names in hockey history and left a lasting legacy in the sport.