Bobby Hull left the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks after 15 stellar seasons during which he was twice named the NHL's most valuable player and won the scoring championship three times to sign with the Winnipeg Jets and give instant credibility to the WHA. Though the Blackhawks and the NHL filed suit to prevent Hull and the other former NHL players from suiting up for their respective WHA teams, he was finally freed to play in November 1972 and led the Jets to the AVCO Cup final.
Following a disappointing 1973-1974 campaign, Hull was partnered with Swedes Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg on what became known as the Hot Line and the trio terrorized WHA goaltenders over the next four seasons. Hull exploded for a record-breaking 77-goal season in 1974-1975 that eclipsed the single season major pro record established by Phil Esposito of the NHL's Boston Bruins.
Hull went on to lead the Jets to AVCO Cup championships in 1975-1976 and again in 1977-1978. He was named as a WHA First Team All-Star three times and once as a Second Team All-Star. He participated in six mid-season All-Star Games and was twice named the WHA's most valuable player.
Hull left the Jets early in the 1978-1979 season and retired, but rejoined the team briefly the following season after the Jets had entered the NHL. He finished the 1979-1980 season with the Hartford Whalers and retired for the second and final time.
Hull also served as the Jets' coach for parts of three seasons and was a partner in the group that bought the Jets late in the 1977-1978 season. |
