Researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center found that NHL legend Bobby Hull, who died in 2023 at the age of 84, suffered from phase 2 CTE.
CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) is a degenerative brain disease that has been identified by athletes and military combat veterans who maintained concussions or repeated blows upside down.
It can only be diagnosed with postum through a study of the brain.
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Chicago Blackhawks left Wing Bobby Hull seen in action during a game against Detroit Red Wings in the 1970-71 season. (Tony Tomsic-usa Today Network)
It is no longer uncommon to find former footballers, hockey players and fighters who suffered from the disease at the times of their death.
“Seeing the pain and heartache that his life -time friend Stan Mikita’s family has suffered, Bobby strongly felt that no other family should have to endure CTE,” said Deborah Hull, Bobby’s 39 -year -old wife, in a statement via Concussion Legacy Foundation. “He insisted on donating his brain and feeling like it was his duty to help promote research on this annoying illness.”
Hockey Hall of Fame member Bobby Hull greets fans during a red carpet event before a game against Buffalo Sabres in Chicago in 2014. (Dennis Wierzbicki-usa Today Sports)
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“NHL families deserve to know that CTE can be a consequence of the main influences they receive while playing the game,” added Concussion Legacy Foundation CEO Dr. Chris Nowinski. “The NHL still refuses shamelessly to recognize this scientific truth, so we hope this message reaches the current players so that they can play with informed consent as a minimum.”
Hull played 23 professional ice hockey seasons – 16 in the NHL and another seven in the World Hockey Association. He debuted in the NHL in 1957 before hanging up in the skates in 1980.
Hull helped Chicago Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup titles and was a 12-time all-star and two-time MVP. His son, Brett, was also a 20-year-old NHL veteran and is like his father in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Former Chicago Blackhawks player Bobby Hull speaks during a ceremony honoring his career before a game against San Jose Sharks in Chicago in 2008. (Jerry Lai-usa Today Sports)
Included his WHA numbers got Hull up 913 goals and 895 assists.
