Former NHL great Bobby Hull, the man who put Winnipeg on the pro hockey map 51 years ago, has died at the age of 84, several reports indicated on Monday.
Hull fired the slapshot heard ’round the hockey world when he left the Chicago Blackhawks to sign with the Winnipeg Jets in the upstart World Hockey Association in 1972.
You are reading: ‘Golden Jet’ Bobby Hull dead at 84
The record-setting goal scorer, 1961 Stanley Cup winner and two-time NHL most valuable player gave the WHA instant credibility.
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The then-unprecedented $1 million signing-bonus cheque he received at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street in downtown Winnipeg led to other NHL stars bolting for the WHA. Four WHA teams, including the Jets, would eventually be absorbed by the NHL.
Born in Pointe Anne, Ont., Hull was known for his booming shot, strong skating stride and his golden locks, earning the nickname The Golden Jet.
His image, though, was tarnished by off-ice controversy, including accusations of abuse from former wives and an interview with the Moscow Times in 1998 in which he reportedly expressed sympathy for Nazi leader Adolph Hitler.
The Jets retired his number in 1988, four years after his induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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The second edition of the franchise inducted him to the newly-formed Jets Hall of Fame in 2016, along with Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nillson, the other two members of The Hot Line, but Hull did not attend the ceremony.
Hull led the NHL in goals seven times and was a first-team all-star 10 times.
He led the Jets to two WHA championships.
This story will be updated.
