Former Wing Hull Announces Retirement

Just hours before his current team – the Phoenix Coyotes – were set to host his previous team – the Detroit Red Wings – future Hall of Fame forward Brett Hull announced his retirement from the sport of hockey. He cited his performance in the first games of the season as his reasoning.

“While we respect the decision Brett has made today, we regret seeing him go,” Phoenix general manager Mike Barnett stated.

Hull had previously stated that this season would not be his “Farewell Tour.”

“Now, in a month or two, you can talk to Gretz, and maybe he’ll tell you that it is my ‘Farewell Tour.'” he told the Arizona Republic in August.

Hull signed a two-year deal with the Coyotes on August 6, 2004, after three seasons with the Red Wings. He also spent three years with the Dallas Stars after the bulk of his career was played with the St. Louis Blues. He broke into the league with the Calgary Flames, who drafted him in the sixth round in 1984.

Just one week earlier, the Coyotes “unretired” the #9 sweater worn by Hull’s father, Bobby, so that the younger Hull could wear it. Bobby Hull played for the organization while it was still in Winnipeg and his number was retired there.