Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz dead at 70

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz has died after a short illness.

He was 70 years old.

William Rockwell Wirtz had been chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks and President of the Wirtz Corporation since 2007. As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, Wirtz was at the team's helm through three Stanley Cup wins – and a tarnishing controversy.

As chairman of the Blackhawks, Wirtz was responsible for all aspects of the team's operations. His grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, bought the Blackhawks in 1954.

Rocky Wirtz's father, Bill Wirtz, owned the team until he died in 2007, at which point Rocky Wirtz took over. 

The 2007 season was Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews' rookie season.

When Rocky Wirtz stepped into the role, the organization saw a significant change on the ice and off.

One of the first things Wirtz did was negotiate a local TV contract for home games – which his father before him had forbidden because it would be bad for attendance.

Wirtz also reinvigorated the fanbase, helping put them on a 13-year sellout streak. 

"I think a lot changed, you know? The town kind of changed," said Bret Simpson. "Everyone got a little more into it once he came in and took this team over."

At Johnny's Icehouse on Madison Street, some C2 League players remembered Wirtz as someone who revived the city's interest in the Blackhawks.

"He invested in the team, he invested in the West Side, he invested in the community - and it paid off with three championships," one C2 League player said.

Those investments also allowed the United Center to see sold-out games for 13 consecutive years.

Under Wirtz's leadership, the team practice rink was, more importantly, a community ice rink. The Blackhawks also invested $65 million on the West Side to help build Fifth Third Arena down the street from the United Center to get more people interested in the team and the sport.

"Rocky changed the face of the team. What he did, he made it something that everybody can love," Simpson said. "He was a little more personable."

Rocky Wirtz has also led his family's beverage business since 1980. In 2016, he drove efforts to form a partnership with The Charmer Sunbelt Group and create the Breakthru Beverage Group – of which he served as co-chairman.

Wirtz was also involved with Wirtz Realty, which has developed properties in Illinois for many years and owns more than 20 commercial and residential properties in Chicago and the suburbs. Wirtz also oversaw his family's banking interests in the Chicago and Miami areas.

As chairman of the Blackhawks, Wirtz oversaw the team's three historic Stanley Cup-winning seasons in 2010, 2013, and 2015. But last year, Wirtz was criticized for berating reporters who asked about what was being done in the wake of sexual abuse allegations against former video coach Brad Aldrich, which dated back to the first of those Stanley Cup seasons.

As to the scandal and lawsuit for the sexual abuse scandal in which prospect Kyle Beach said Aldrich abused him, Wirtz said he was unaware of the 2010 allegations until the lawsuit in 2021.

Rocky Wirtz lived in the northern suburbs with his wife, Marilyn. He was the father of three adult children – Daniel, Hillary, and Kendall – and the grandfather of six.

Rocky Wirtz's son, Blackhawks Chief Executive Officer Danny Wirtz, released a statement on Twitter.

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Wirtz's death:

"The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of W. Rockwell 'Rocky' Wirtz.

"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.

"The NHL sends its sincere condolences to Rocky's wife, Marilyn; his children, Danny, Kendall and Hillary; Marilyn's daughter, Elizabeth; and their six grandchildren. He will be missed terribly."

Chicago Bulls and White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released this statement:

"This is just shocking news, and I am personally devastated. Rocky truly was a great man. We were far more than partners at the United Center. We were very close; he was a dear friend and our trust, our bond, was unbreakable. We never had a disagreement or argument during all of our many years together.

"Everyone liked Rocky. He was smart, passionate, generous, personable and friendly. He cared deeply about the Blackhawks, the people who worked for the team and at the United Center, Blackhawks fans and the city of Chicago. He was so very proud of the Stanley Cup Championships and what those trophies meant to the organization, the city and the fans.

"He was deservedly proud, as well, when it came to his countless civic and charitable endeavors and the positive impact they made on so many. This is a loss for us all. My condolences go out to Marilyn, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Wirtz family.

"His passing came far too soon as he had so very much to live for."

Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey released this statement:

"On behalf of the McCaskey family and the entire Bears Family, we would like to share our sincere condolences on the passing of Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz. Under his leadership, Rocky set the bar for excellence extremely high in Chicago with three Stanley Cup championships in recent years and, more importantly, was a gentleman, a family man and a friend to so many. He was also very giving of countless resources to the community in and around Chicagoland. Our prayers go out to the Wirtz family and the Blackhawks franchise."

Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts also issued a statement.

"On behalf of the Chicago Cubs, our thoughts and prayers are with the Wirtz family during this difficult time. After taking over as owner of the Blackhawks in 2007, Rocky turned the organization into a premier franchise, winning three Stanley Cups and creating wonderful memories for hockey fans both in Chicago and all over the world. He was also an integral part of NBC Sports Chicago and proved to be a great partner in helping to bring Chicago sports fans coverage of the Cubs, as well as the Blackhawks, White Sox and Bulls. Rocky was a remarkable visionary and will be remembered for making a profound impact in the Chicago sports community. On a personal level, I will always remember Rocky as a friend."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement calling Wirtz an "Illinois giant."

Mayor Brandon Johnson called Wirtz "a champion in every sense of the word."

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