Bobby Hull

When Bobby Hull joined the Chicago Blackhawks as an 18 year old during the 1957-58 season, the Blackhawks had pathetically missed the playoffs for 11 of the past 12 seasons. As Hull developed into one of the game's deadliest scorers, the Chicago franchise was rejuvenated with a winning attitude and one of the greatest hockey legends of all time. In 1961, Hull led the Hawks to the Stanley Cup, sadly the only one for The Golden Jet, whose Hall of Fame career deserved more etchings on the storied trophy. For 16 seasons, Hull's muscular frame, devastating slapshot, and blazing speed dominated the NHL, allowing him to become the third player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season and to net 610 career NHL goals. In fact, Hull led the NHL in goals 7 times and in points 3 times. Hull topped the century mark with 107 points during the 1968-69 season, though he did not lead the league that year. After 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Hull shocked the hockey world when he announced in June, 1972 that he signed a 10 year, $2.75 million deal with the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. Hull's jump to the WHA gave the league instant credibility and with his penchant for scoring goals, quickly potted 77 of them during the 1974-75 season. Eventually, Winnipeg entered the NHL, bringing Hull back into the league during the 1979-80 season. Hull closed his career that year with a short stint as a Hartford Whaler playing with Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. Bobby Hull was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Few of the game's superstars could match the physical talents of Bobby Hull. The Golden Jet combined speed, a feared slapshot and a powerful physique to rise to the elite of the NHL in the 1960s. Depending on the source, his shot was timed at approximately 120 miles per hour. His powerful legs never stopped moving and his muscular upper body enabled him to handle the rough side of the game. Hull was a legend in Chicago and later enjoyed success in the World Hockey Association and on the international stage while representing Canada.

He made hockey a different game by the way he played and carried himself on and off the ice. He was a prolific player with high ambitions and expected the best out of himself and who he was playing with. By reading what he did as a player I have taken into the way I play. He played every game like it was his last and he hated losing

games. He gave 110% every time he played. He was also the most feared player at the time he played because of his shot, the way he flew down the ice and his unbelievable toughness. He would fight anybody at any time to make the momentum swing in his teams favor. He made games change by one shift on the ice. He was the recipient of many awards during his time. He was the first player to get 50 goals in 50 games. That was

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