NHL all-star Dennis Hull passes away at 81

In a statement, Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz explained that Hull made a lasting impact

“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 wrote. “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.

“On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him.”

Hull, the younger brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, broke into the NHL with the Black Hawks during the 1964-65 season, but really came into his own a few years later. Hull provided offense consistently, reaching the 60-point mark six times in his 14-year career, including a career-high 90 points during the 1972-73 campaign. He was named a second-team all-star, helping Chicago reach the Stanley Cup Final that spring, leading all skaters with 15 assists.

The Pointe Anne, Ont., native spent 13 seasons in Chicago, rounding out his career in 1976-77 with the Detroit Red Wings. Hull ranks seventh in Blackhawks history in goals (298), eighth in points (640) and 10th in games played (904). In 959 career games, he scored 303 goals and 351 assists for 654 points, with another 67 points in 104 postseason games.

Hull was also on the Canadian roster that faced the Soviet Union in the famous 1972 Summit Series, scoring two goals and four points in four appearances.