Maybe you could add Bobby Hull to your list of the greatest hockey players of all time. Bobby’s track record puts him on with the likes of Wayne Gretzky and others. You may want to read more about his biography, exceptional career, his net worth, and the honors and awards he clinched while active on the ice.
Table of Contents
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Marvin Hull |
| Nickname | “The Golden Jet” |
| Birthdate | January 3, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Pointe Anne, Ontario, Canada |
| Age | Deceased |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Profession | Former Professional Ice Hockey Player |
| Parent(s) | Robert Hull Sr. (Father) |
| Spouse | 1. Joanne McKay (m. 1960; div. 1980), 2. Deborah Hull (m. 1980) |
| Children | With Joanne McKay: 5 children (Brett, Blake, Bart, Michelle, and Bobby Jr.); With Deborah Hull: 2 children (Tricia and Darin) |
| Siblings | Brother: Dennis Hull |
| Education | Played junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Junior League |
| Teams Played For | 1. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), 2. Winnipeg Jets (WHA) |
| Years Active | 1957–1980 (NHL), 1972–1980 (WHA) |
| Awards/Honors | 1. Stanley Cup (1961), 2. Art Ross Trophy (1960, 1962, 1966), 3. Hart Memorial Trophy (1965, 1966), 4. NHL First All-Star Team (1959, 1960, 1962, 1964–1968), 5. NHL Second All-Star Team (1972, 1975), 6. Lester B. Pearson Award (1965), 7. Lou Marsh Trophy (1965), 8. WHA First All-Star Team (1973–1975), 9. WHA Most Valuable Player (1973, 1975), 10. Avco Cup (1976, 1978, 1979) |
| Records | 1. First NHL player to score more than 50 goals in one season, 2. NHL record for most points in a single season by a left winger (97 points in 1968-69), 3. Winnipeg Jets all-time leading scorer, 4. Winnipeg Jets franchise leader in goals and points, 5. Retired with the 4th-most goals in NHL history (610) and the 5th-most points (1,170) |
| Philanthropy | Supported various charitable causes including children’s hospitals, youth hockey programs, and cancer research |
| Net Worth | $3,882,410 (career earnings) |
| Death Date | Still alive |
Who is Bobby Hull?
Robert Marvin “Bobby” Hull, OC, known affectionately as the “Golden Jet,” was a fabulous Canadian professional ice hockey player who had his career from 1957 to 1980. Born on January 3, 1939, in Point Anne, Ontario, Hull’s early passion for hockey was clearly known as he excelled in minor and junior leagues. He quickly drew attention with his exceptional skating speed, powerful shot, and dazzling end-to-end rushes. His distinct blond hair and blazing speed on the ice earned him the moniker “the Golden Jet.” Hull’s talent was so formidable that opposing teams frequently assigned players solely to shadow him.
Hull’s professional career began with the Chicago Black Hawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over 15 seasons with the Black Hawks, Hull established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in hockey history, leading the NHL in goals seven times—a record only surpassed by a handful of players.
He won the prestigious Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player twice and claimed the Art Ross Trophy as the leading point scorer three times. Hull’s achievements helped lead the Black Hawks to a Stanley Cup victory in 1961, their first in 23 years. His 1965-66 season was particularly memorable as he became the first player to score more than 50 goals in a season, setting a new benchmark with 54 goals. He was identified as a scoring machine.
In 1972, Hull made a groundbreaking move to the World Hockey Association (WHA) by signing with the Winnipeg Jets for an unprecedented $1.75 million contract, including a $1 million signing bonus. This move was crucial in giving the WHA instant credibility as a legitimate competitor to the NHL. Hull’s impact in the WHA was colossal, as he continued to dominate the league by winning the Gordie Howe Trophy as the most valuable player twice and leading the Jets to two Avco Cup championships. His dynamic play alongside Swedish linemates Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson, known collectively as “The Hot Line,” made the Jets one of the most terrific teams in the league.
Despite his on-ice heroics, Hull’s career and personal life were not without controversy, as he faced multiple allegations of domestic violence and made headlines for allegedly expressing pro-Nazi sentiments, which he later denied. These incidents tarnished his public image and contrasted sharply with his celebrated sports achievements. Nonetheless, Hull’s contributions to the game were recognized through numerous awards, including his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and being named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history in 2017.
Bobby Hull’s legacy in the hockey world stretches beyond his own career; his son Brett Hull also became a hockey legend, scoring over 700 NHL goals. They are the only father-son combo to have scored more than 600 NHL goals and won the Hart Memorial Trophy. Bobby Hull’s influence on the sport is further recognized with different awards, including the retirement of his number 9 jersey by the Chicago Black Hawks and Winnipeg Jets.
What is Bobby Hull’s age, height and weight?
Bobby Hull, born on January 3, 1939, would have been 85 years old as of 2024. His height is listed as 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), and during his playing career, his weight was approximately 190 pounds (86 kg).
What is Bobby Hull’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Bobby Hull was Canadian by nationality. He was born in Point Anne, Ontario, Canada.Hull was of European descent, specifically from a family with English roots.
What is Bobby Hull’s profession?
Bobby Hull was a professional ice hockey player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. During his 23-year career, he played as a left wing for the Chicago Black Hawks in the National Hockey League (NHL) and later for the Winnipeg Jets and the Hartford Whalers in the World Hockey Association (WHA).
| Team | Years | Description | Awards and Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Black Hawks (NHL) | 1957–1972 | Hull began his professional career with the Black Hawks and became an NHL star. | Hart Memorial Trophy (1965, 1966), Art Ross Trophy (1960, 1962, 1966), Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1965), Lester Patrick Trophy (1969), Stanley Cup Champion (1961), NHL First All-Star Team (10 times), NHL Second All-Star Team (2 times), NHL All-Star Game MVP (1970, 1971). |
| Winnipeg Jets (WHA) | 1972–1979 | Hull was a marquee player for the Jets, giving the WHA instant credibility. | WHA Most Valuable Player (1973, 1975), WHA First All-Star Team (1973, 1974, 1975), WHA Second All-Star Team (1976, 1978), Avco Cup Champion (1976, 1978). |
| Winnipeg Jets (NHL) | 1979–1980 | Hull rejoined the Jets after the WHA-NHL merger. | |
| Hartford Whalers (NHL) | 1980 | Hull had a brief stint with the Whalers, joining forces with Gordie Howe. |
In addition to these primary stints, Hull attempted a brief comeback with the New York Rangers in 1981 but did not play in the regular season.
Who are Bobby Hull’s Parents?
Bobby Hull’s parents were Robert Edward Hull Sr. and Lena Hull (née Cook). His father, Robert Edward Hull Sr., worked as a cement company foreman, and his mother, Lena, was a homemaker. The Hull family lived in Pointe Anne, Ontario, Canada, where Bobby was born and raised.
Does Bobby Hull have siblings?
Yes, Bobby Hull had siblings. He was one of eleven children in his family. Among his siblings, the most famous is his younger brother Dennis Hull, who also had a successful career in professional hockey. Dennis, nicknamed “the Silver Jet,” played alongside Bobby for the Chicago Black Hawks and scored over 300 goals during his career.
Who is Bobby Hull married to?
Bobby Hull was married three times. Hull’s first marriage was to Joanne McKay. They married in 1960 and had five children together, including Brett Hull, who also became a renowned professional hockey player. The marriage ended in divorce in 1980 following several abusive incidents.
Hull had a long-term relationship with Claudia Allen, but they never married. Hull retired from professional hockey in 1980 to take care of Claudia after she was injured in a severe automobile accident.
Hull’s third marriage was to Deborah, although the specific details about their marriage and its duration are less documented. In 1986, Hull was arrested and charged with assault and battery after allegedly hitting Deborah, but the charges were eventually dropped.
| Marriage | Years | Children | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanne McKay | 1960–1980 | Five children | Ended in divorce in 1980 following several abusive incidents. |
| Claudia Allen | Not married | N/A | Hull retired from professional hockey in 1980 to take care of Claudia after she was injured in a severe automobile accident. |
| Deborah Hull | N/A | N/A | Hull’s third marriage. In 1986, he was arrested and charged with assault and battery after allegedly hitting Deborah, but the charges were eventually dropped. Details are limited. |
Does Bobby Hull have children?
Yes, Bobby Hull has children. He has five children from his marriage to Joanne McKay. One of his most well-known children is Brett Hull, who also had a successful career in professional hockey, earning the nickname “the Golden Brett.” Brett Hull is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and is one of the top goal-scorers in NHL history.
What is Bobby Hull’s Net Worth?
Bobby was estimated to have a net worth of $10 million. Hull earned a total of $3,882,410 during his hockey career. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $25,564,848 in today’s dollars. These earnings place him at number 2070 in NHL/hockey career earnings.
How much does Bobby Hull make annually?
For detailed statistics, see table below for his annual earnings.
| Season | Earnings (US$) | In today’s US$ | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955-56 | $1,704 | $19,382 | Earned $60 per week, during the season, with the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Junior League. |
| 1956-57 | $1,707 | $19,135 | Earned $60 per week, during the season, with the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Junior League. |
| 1960-61 | $20,000 | $206,018 | Signed a five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks for $100,000 overall. |
| 1961-62 | $20,000 | $203,881 | |
| 1962-63 | $20,000 | $201,455 | |
| 1963-64 | $20,000 | $199,020 | Earned $25,000 according to The Hockey News. |
| 1964-65 | $20,000 | $196,454 | |
| 1965-66 | $75,000 | $725,246 | Base salary of $35,000 plus bonus clauses yielded another $40,000. (Earned a base salary of $50,000 according to the SIHR Newsletter) |
| 1968-69 | $100,000 | $876,078 | Signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks for $100,000 per season after briefly retiring. |
| 1969-70 | $100,000 | $830,698 | |
| 1970-71 | $100,000 | $784,905 | |
| 1971-72 | $150,000 | $1,128,797 | Estimated minimum salary based on documented 1970-71 salary. |
| 1972-73 | $1,250,000 | $9,107,484 | Signed a 5-year contract for $250,000 per year, with the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. |
| 1973-74 | $250,000 | $1,715,653 | With the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. |
| 1974-75 | $254,000 | $1,569,536 | With the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. Earned $250,000 in salary plus a $4,000 bonus for winning the league’s MVP award. |
| 1975-76 | $250,000 | $1,415,366 | With the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. |
| 1976-77 | $250,000 | $1,338,517 | With the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. |
| 1977-78 | $1,000,000 | $5,027,223 | With the Winnipeg Jets, in the WHA. |
| 1978-79 | $0 | $0 | With the Winnipeg Jets, retired after only four games. |
| 1979-80 | $0 | $0 | Came back with the Winnipeg Jets who were not in the NHL. Got traded to the Hartford Whalers during the season and retired. |
| 1980-81 | $0 | $0 | Did not play. |
| 1981-82 | $0 | $0 | Attempted to return to pro-hockey with the New York Rangers but mutually agreed with the team to retire after five exhibition games. |
| 1989-90 | $0 | $0 | Signed a $50,000 contract with House of Masters, a company offering hair replacement procedures. |
What philanthropic causes or charities does Bobby Hull support?
Bobby Hull has been a dedicated supporter of various philanthropic causes in his career and beyond through the Bobby Hull Foundation. He has contributed to children’s charities, community development projects, veterans’ support initiatives, healthcare-related charities, education programs, and environmental conservation efforts. Hull’s involvement includes fundraising events, donations, and advocacy work aimed at improving the lives of individuals and communities in need.
| Philanthropic Causes |
|---|
| Children’s Charities |
| Community Development |
| Veterans Support |
| Healthcare |
| Education |
| Environmental Conservation |
How many businesses does Bobby Hull own?
Bobby reared cattle as a side business in east Saskatchewan in Canada. Seedstock breeders honored his demise as a show of honor to the animals he owned and reared.
How many awards has Bobby Hull won?
Bobby Hull has garnered numerous awards in his career. His awards include being a three-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s leading scorer, in the 1959-60, 1961-62, and 1965-66 seasons. He clinched the Hart Memorial Trophy, recognizing the league’s most valuable player, twice, in 1965 and 1966. Hull was also honored with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in the 1964-65 season for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Furthermore, he received the Lester B. Pearson Award, now known as the Ted Lindsay Award, twice in 1965 and 1966, recognizing the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow players. Hull’s contributions to hockey were further acknowledged with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Records:
- Scored 50 goals in 50 games in the 1965-66 NHL season, a record at the time.
- First NHL player to earn $100,000 per season (1968-69 season).
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Art Ross Trophy (NHL Leading Scorer) | 1959-60 |
| Art Ross Trophy (NHL Leading Scorer) | 1961-62 |
| Art Ross Trophy (NHL Leading Scorer) | 1965-66 |
| Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP) | 1965 |
| Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP) | 1966 |
| Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Sportsmanship) | 1964-65 |
| Lester B. Pearson Award (Outstanding Player) | 1965 |
| Lester B. Pearson Award (Outstanding Player) | 1966 |
How many cups did Bobby Hull win?
Bobby Hull won one Stanley Cup during his NHL career. He achieved this victory with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961.
What happened to Bobby Hull?
Bobby Hull died on January 30, 2023, in Wheaton, Illinois.
How did Bobby Hull get his nickname?
Bobby Hull earned his nickname, “The Golden Jet,” due to his incredible speed on the ice and his blonde hair, which resembled a jet’s golden streak as he skated swiftly across the rink.
Did you know Bobby Hull once held a job as a butcher’s assistant?
Yes, before his hockey career took off, Hull worked as a butcher’s assistant in Ontario.
Ever heard about Bobby Hull’s baseball skills?
Surprisingly, Hull was skilled in baseball as well, having played semi-professionally during the summers of his youth.
Was he always called “Bobby”?
No, actually. His birth name is Robert Marvin Hull, but he became known as Bobby in his hockey career.
Any interesting trivia about his jersey number?
Absolutely! Hull’s jersey number, 9, was retired by both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets in honor of his contributions to both teams.
What about Bobby Hull’s impact off the ice?
Hull was a pioneer in advocating for better compensation and rights for NHL players.
Did Hull ever dabble in acting?
Indeed, he did. Hull made a cameo appearance in the 1969 film “Face-Off” alongside other NHL stars of the era.
How about his signature move?
Hull was famous for his slapshot, which was not only powerful but also highly accurate, making him a fatal scoring threat on the ice.
Eight (8) Interesting Facts About Bobby Hull
First to Break the 50-Goal Barrier: In the 1965-1966 NHL season, Bobby Hull became the first player in NHL history to score more than 50 goals in one season.- World Hockey Association (WHA) Star: After leaving the NHL, Hull joined the WHA’s Winnipeg Jets.
- Father-Son NHL Duo: Bobby Hull’s son, Brett Hull, also had a highly successful NHL career, making them one of the most notable father-son duos in hockey history.
- Stanley Cup Victory with the Blackhawks: Despite his success, Bobby Hull only won one Stanley Cup in his career, with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1961.
- International Success: Hull represented Canada in numerous international competitions, including the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, where he played a role in Team Canada’s victory.
- Hall of Fame Induction: In 1983, Bobby Hull was rightfully inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.
- Impact on European Hockey: After retiring from professional hockey, Hull played a role in popularizing the sport in Europe, in countries like Switzerland and Russia.
- Order of Canada: Hull was inducted as an officer of the Order of Canada in 1978.