Five-Time All-Star for Blackhawks, Red Wings Dies
Forward Dennis Hull, who played 13 seasons in the NHL and played for the Canadian team that won the 1972 Summit Series, died May 29. He was 81.
Hull was a five-time All-Star (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974) in 14 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (1964-77) and Detroit Red Wings (1977-78). He retired with 303 goals and 351 assists in 959 regular-season games, and another 33 goals and 34 assists in the playoffs.
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Hull reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice with Chicago, in 1971 and 1973, each time losing to the Montreal Canadiens.
"The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning,” the team said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
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The younger brother of Hall of Famer Bobby Hull is perhaps best known for winning a championship his more famous sibling did not.
In 1972, Dennis Hull was chosen to represent Team Canada against Soviet Union in the inaugural Summit Series. Pitting the first professional all-star teams gathered for international play, the series excluded players who were not under contract to an NHL team. Bobby Hull had signed in the rival World Hockey Association for the 1972-73 season, and urged his brother to play even though he could not.
Dennis Hull played in four of the eight games in the series, logged two goals and two assists, and helped the Canadians win the eighth and final game on Sept. 28, 1972.
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After retiring from professional hockey, Hull returned to St. Catharines, Ontario, enrolled at Brock University and earned a degree in education. He later became a teacher and an athletic director.
Hull was also a gifted public speaker who colored his work as a Master of Ceremonies with anecdotes from his hockey career.
In his memoir (“The Third Best Hull: I Should Have Been Fourth But They Wouldn’t Let My Sister Maxine Play”) Hull wrote, “comparing me to my brother wasn’t fair. From the start it was clear that Bobby was special.”
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 10:57 AM.