It was 30 years ago when one of the most historic hockey events ever took place. A team of Canadian born NHLers took on a squad of Russia's hockey stars in an eight-game series that would change how the world looked at hockey and how the game would be played in the future.
Canada won the "Summit Series" as they captured four victories over the Russians against three losses and one tie. Dennis Hull, a proud member of the Chicago Blackhawks back in 1972, was a key player on Canada's victorious team. Today, he'll readily admit to not being anything other than Bobby Hull's brother, as long as you add he's the younger brother. He's even been known to answer when someone asks for Brett Hull's uncle.
Though he's a self-effacing brother, and proud uncle, Dennis Hull takes a back seat to no one on the speakers' podium. Many of his peers consider Dennis to be one of the top after-dinner entertainers in North America. And his hockey career wasn't all that bad either. Fourteen NHL campaigns, over three hundred regular season goals and six selections to the All Star team are testament to his hockey skills.
Following his retirement from the NHL in 1979, Dennis returned to St. Catherines, Ontario to earn his degree at Brock University. He then went on to teach History and Physical Education at Ridley College, moved back to Chicago for 10 years and held the position of Athletic Director at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
In 1991 Dennis moved back to Canada to his beloved farm to raise his Pure Bred Herfords and continue his busy Speaking Career.
As Gordie Howe once said " Dennis Hull is one of the most talented speakers and comedians in all of sports. He rivals the likes of Bob Hope and Eddie Murphy with his wit and humour. He was a natural on the ice, and how he is a natural on the stage."
In 2013 Dennis released his book "Third Best Hull" which outlines his life in hockey with humorous anecdotes and stories including the time he taught Guy Lafleur to speak English; how he once won a coin toss worth $250,000; and talks of his ongoing rivalry with Henri Richard, the younger brother of the legendary Montreal Canadiens’ great Maurice Richard. Along the way, Dennis gives an account of the famed 1972 Russia-Canada series and speaks with candor about his brother, Bobby; his nephew and St. Louis Blues’ star Brett Hull; and hockey legends such as Howe, Ken Dryden, and Bobby Orr.
7 сен 2024
