Bobby Hull

The Golden Jet — the first player to score more than 50 goals in a season, and the most physically imposing forward of his era.

Robert Marvin Hull was born in Point Anne, Ontario in 1939. Chicago Black Hawks signed him in 1957 and he became the franchise's defining player for 15 years — winning the Stanley Cup in 1961. He was the first player to score more than 50 goals in a season, doing so in 1965-66 with 54 goals. He won three Art Ross Trophies as scoring champion (1960, 1962, 1966) and two Hart Trophies as MVP (1965, 1966). His slap shot — estimated at over 100 mph — was the most feared single skill in the game during his era. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He left the NHL in 1972 to sign with the Winnipeg Jets of the rival WHA for the most lucrative contract in hockey history at that time — his departure legitimised the WHA as a professional league. His nickname the Golden Jet reflected his blond hair, speed and the explosive quality of his skating and shooting. His son Brett Hull also became a Hall of Fame right wing.

Hull possessed one of the most feared slap shots in hockey history, clocked at over 115 mph, which earned him the nickname 'The Golden Jet.' He combined explosive speed with powerful skating ability, making him a constant offensive threat who could score from anywhere on the ice. His aggressive, physical style of play and ability to find scoring opportunities in traffic made him virtually unstoppable during his prime years.

Hull revolutionized goal scoring in hockey and helped popularize the slap shot as a primary offensive weapon. His jump to the WHA in 1972 changed the economics of professional hockey and paved the way for increased player salaries across both leagues.

• Stanley Cup (1961)
• Hart Trophy 2x
• Art Ross Trophy 3x
• Hall of Fame (1983)
• NHL 100 Greatest Players