Chicago, Ill. - Illinois Tech Athletics mourns the passing of long-time Chicago Blackhawk and former Illinois Tech Director of Athletics Dennis Hull, who passed away on May 30, 2026 at the age of 81.

Hull, a native of Point Anne, Ontario, Canada, served as Illinois Tech's athletic director from 1982 until 1993, when long-time baseball head coach Jim Darrah took over leading the school's athletic programs. Hull also served as the school's golf coach during parts of his tenure.

"Dennis Hull's impact extended far beyond his distinguished playing career," said Assistant Vice President - Director of Athletics Usha Gilmore. "Through his service to Illinois Tech Athletics, he contributed to the growth and development of our department and the student-athletes it serves. We are grateful for his contributions and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Hull enjoyed a 14-year career in the National Hockey League from 1964 to 1978, with his first 13 years playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Hull amassed 654 points on 303 goals and 351 assists over 959 regular season games, while adding 67 points on 33 goals and 34 assists over 104 career playoff appearances. Hull also was a five-time NHL all-star. Hull played alongside his much more famous brother, Bobby Hull, for eight seasons with the Blackhawks, with Bobby earning the nickname the Golden Jet because of his skating speed and blonde hair, while Dennis was given the slightly less fulfilling moniker the Silver Jet. 

After his playing career, Hull dabbled in broadcasting before pursuing a bachelors degree in history and physical education at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. After receiving his degree, Hull taught at nearby Ridley College before he was approached about an opportunity with Illinois Tech.

In his autobiography from 1998, "The Third Best Hull (I should have been fourth but they wouldn't let my sister Maxine play)"(1), Hull recounts how his position with Illinois Tech came about: "Following my graduation I taught at Ridley (College), but another job drew me back to Chicago. A friend had arranged a meeting for me with the Illinois Institute of Technology, a college in Chicago. They told me they wanted me to take over as their athletic director, and I took the job because it was a new challenge."

Hull was announced as the new Director of Athletics and Physical Education on May 26, 1982, by then-university president Dr. Thomas L. Martin, Jr. Said Dr. Martin in the school's press release regarding the hiring of Hull: "Throughout his career as a professional athlete, Dennis Hull has always demonstrated the highest caliber of of leadership, commitment and performance. We look for him to bring those same qualities to IIT's effort to develop the leadership potential in our students. Mr Hull is certain to be an influence and motivator to many of our students, and we are happy that he chose to become a part of the IIT community."

Said Hull in that same press release" "Being a part of first-class organizations like the Blackhawks and Ridley College always has been a personal philosophy of mine. IIT certainly fits into that category, and my family and I are excited about returning to Chicago."

Hull took over the reigns of the athletics program from long-time baseball coach and then Director of Athletics, Ed Glancy. At that time, Illinois Tech was competing at the NCAA Division II level in the varsity sports of baseball, basketball, swimming, cross country, golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball and bowling. In addition, Hull was responsible for overseeing the department's intramural sports and club sports, which included hockey, sailing and softball.

Hull was impressed with the academic pursuits of the student-athletes he was in charge of, as he recounted in his autobiography: "It (the job) was a lot of fun - the kids were all architects and engineers, so the school didn't have great teams, though we were strong in baseball. At one point, every member of the women's volleyball team was on the Dean's Honour list. We took them up to play in a tournament at Brock (University). They not only won the tournament, but between games, they'd be studying."

After leaving the university in 1993, Hull continued his post-playing career by being a frequent guest speaker on the banquet circuit, and also operated a cattle farm with his brother Gary in their native Ontario. Hull also served several years as a Blackhawks ambassador.

(1) Hull, D. (1998) "The Third Best Hull (I should have been fourth but they wouldn't let my sister Maxine play)", page 148/ ECW Press, Toronto, Ontario.