Boston University researchers confirmed hockey icon Bobby Hull had stage 2 CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) at the time of his 2023 death. The Chicago Blackhawks legend, known as The Golden Jet, battled memory loss and impaired judgment for a decade before passing at 84. His decision to donate his brain followed his friend Stan Mikita's decline, aiming to advance CTE research in contact sports.
Deborah Hull, his wife of 39 years, stated:
Bobby insisted on brain donation to spare families from CTE’s agony. His friendship with Mikita made this mission personal.Hull’s NHL legacy includes 610 goals across 16 seasons, cementing his status as a franchise great. Yet his speed and skill came at a cost—researchers identified CTE in 18 of 19 former NHL players studied, including Mikita, Derek Boogaard, and Bob Probert.
CTE risks in hockey are alarmingly clear. Boston University’s 2023 study found:
- 34% increased CTE odds per year played
- 100+ concussions linked to long-term cognitive decline
- Posthumous diagnosis required for confirmation
Dr. Ann McKee, director of the BU CTE Center, urged action:
We’re learning to treat CTE symptoms, especially in mid-life. Early intervention can improve quality of life.The NHL Players’ Association has since launched a concussion advisory panel to educate athletes on brain health.
Hull’s case amplifies calls for safety reforms in hockey. While the NHL resists linking CTE to gameplay, mounting evidence pressures leagues to reduce head trauma. Fans now grapple with the darker legacy of hockey’s golden era—one where brilliance on ice hid invisible wounds.
