Steph Deschamps / January 31, 2023
Canadian Bobby Hull, a legendary ice hockey player of the 1960s, has died at the age of 84, his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, announced Monday.
Known as the "Golden Jet" because of his blond hair and speed on the ice, Bobby Hull won the Stanley Cup in 1961 with the Blackhawks field hockey team, where he remains the team's leading scorer (604).
Generations of Chicagoans have been dazzled by Bobby's unique shot, remarkable skate and leadership skills," the Blackhawks tweeted.
In 17 seasons, including 15 with Chicago, the field hockey icon played 1,063 games, scored 610 goals and made 560 assists, according to the NHL's official website.
"In his prime, there was no goal scorer as prolific in all of field hockey," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, calling him a "superstar.
"When Bobby Hull turned around to take a shot, fans all over the NHL would stand up in anticipation and opposing goalies would get ready," he added.
Bobby Hull won the MVP award twice in 1964-65 and 1965-66 and again as the NHL's leading scorer.
He is also known for being the first person in field hockey history to sign a contract worth more than $1 million.
Outside the rink, he was accused of domestic violence by several of his female companions. He was also convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened in an argument with his wife in 1986.
In 1998, he came to prominence for his racist comments after telling the Moscow Times that the black population in the United States was growing too fast and that "Hitler had good ideas" but that he had "gone a little too far.