The fifth principal owner in Blackhawks franchise history, owner/chairman Rocky Wirtz passed away Thursday evening after a brief illness at age 70.
Wirtz took over as owner of the Blackhawks in 2007 after his father Bill passed away. Bill’s father Arthur took over as majority owner in 1966.
A black mark was left on Wirtz’s time as owner during the Kyle Beach sexual assault lawsuit, especially after losing his cool during a town hall meeting regarding the issue in 2022. However, he’ll always be remembered in Chicago for revitalizing hockey in the area.
The Blackhawks were one of the worst teams in the NHL before Wirtz took over, and the owner immediately went to work. He negotiated a contract with Comcast SportsNet Chicago to televise all home games, making him an immediate hit, as fans were quickly closer to the game and the team they loved without always having to attend the games in person. He hired John McDonough away from the Cubs and named him team president, and was quick to spend money both on the ice and off it. After the 2008-09 season, his squad made the conference finals. The following year, the team led by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews won its first of three championships in six seasons. In total, Wirtz’s teams made the postseason ten times over his 16 seasons.
Danny Wirtz, Rocky’s son and Blackhawks CEO, announced his father’s passing and commemorated his life:
Wirtz was also the owner of the Wirtz Corp, which most notably included Breakthru Beverage Corp. He’s widely regarded as one of the most successful Blackhawks owners, and NHL owners, in the history of the game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement after the news broke of Wirtz’s death:
“Devoted to family and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago and an accomplished businessman. Rocky took over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the passion and following of this storied Original Six franchise.
“Rocky’s focus on connecting with the club’s fans and improving the team’s performance on the ice rekindled Chicago fans’ love affair with their hockey team and built a modern dynasty – the Blackhawks won Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
“On a personal level, Rocky was a dear friend whose counsel I consistently sought. He was a highly respected member of the Executive Committee of the League’s Board of Governors whose wisdom and camaraderie were valued by his fellow owners.”
– NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
Bettman’s comments on Wirtz’s connection with fans and the team ring true – aside from his three Stanley Cup championships, he’s perhaps best known for his work to get Blackhawks games televised, changing the lives of scores of fans around the world, especially those that aren’t able to get to games.
Wirtz’s stint as owner of the Blackhawks will be marred by the recent scandal, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the most successful owners in league history, and he’ll be remembered for his efforts for years to come.
