Bobby Hull, a hockey Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup champion, died on Monday at the age of 84.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are heartbroken by the death of Legend Bobby Hull. He is a superstar for our franchise from 1957 to 1972,” the team said in a statement.
“Hull is among a select group of players who have had a historic impact on our hockey club. The Golden Jet helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 1961. He left a lasting impression on our fans, whom he adored.
“Bobby’s shooting power, skating ability, and general team leadership met generations of Chicagoans. His ability also helped him score 604 goals in his career, a franchise record that stands to this day. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Hull family.”
There was no mention of a cause of death.
Hull won the Art Ross Trophy three times as the leading NHL scorer, the Hart Trophy twice as the league’s most valuable player, and the Lady Byng Trophy in 1965 for displaying “the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
The 12-time All-Star finished with 610 goals and 560 assists in 1063 NHL games.
Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, sent his condolences.
“Fans around the NHL stood to their feet in anticipation as Bobby Hull coiled up to take a slapshot, and opposition goalies prepared themselves. No player scored more goals in hockey than he did during his prime time. Hull was a great superstar and the face of the Chicago Blackhawks throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. He was as outgoing as he was explosive as a player, Bettman said in a statement.