Bobby Hull no longer Blackhawks ambassador, team announces
The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Monday that longtime forward Bobby Hull will no longer serve as team ambassador.
Chicago said in a statement the decision comes as the organization decides to "redefine" the role of team ambassador following the passing of Blackhawks icons Stan Mikita in 2018 and Tony Esposito last year.
"When it comes to Bobby, specifically, we jointly agreed earlier this season that he will retire from any official team role," the team said in a statement.
While the Hall of Famer was masterful for the Blackhawks on the ice, his off-ice troubles have cast a long shadow over his legacy. He faced allegations of domestic abuse by two of his former wives and was also convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened in a spat with his first wife. Hull was also infamously quoted by a Russian outlet saying that Adolf Hitler "had some good ideas," which he has denied ever since.
Hull isn't the only member of the Blackhawks organization to be marred in controversy. The organization has been in the spotlight following the Jenner & Block report that revealed former player Kyle Beach was sexually assaulted by a former video coach in 2010 and that the Blackhawks didn't take necessary action. CEO Danny Wirtz has been working to reshape the organization and, while the team hasn't said specifically, parting ways with Hull is likely part of that push for change.
Hull registered 604 goals and 549 assists over his 15-year NHL career. His No. 9 sweater is retired and raised into the United Center rafters, while a statue of him stands outside of the arena.
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