Yes, Bobby Hull did wear a form of head protection during his career, specifically a football helmet facemask.
The Context of Bobby Hull's Headwear
While Bobby Hull is famously known for playing without a traditional hockey helmet for the majority of his career, there were specific instances where he adopted protective headgear. This was not a standard part of his uniform but a temporary measure necessitated by injury.
- Injury-Induced Protection: Bobby Hull, along with his brother Dave, sustained broken jaws during their playing careers. To enable them to continue playing despite these significant injuries, unconventional equipment was required for protection.
- The Facemask Solution: To safeguard their broken jaws, both Bobby and Dave briefly wore facemasks designed for football helmets. These were identical in style to the facemasks frequently seen on other players, such as Larry, who utilized them throughout much of their careers. This specialized equipment served as a critical protective barrier, allowing them to remain on the ice.
This highlights that although Bobby Hull was synonymous with bare-headed play, circumstances did arise where he donned a piece of equipment derived from a helmet to ensure his safety and continued participation in the game.
