Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz dies at age 70
The Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013 and 2015) during Rocky Wirtz’s time as principal owner.
Chicago Blackhawks principal owner W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 70.
Rocky’s son Danny Wirtz passed along the family’s statement on Rocky’s passing.
A statement from Danny Wirtz, Blackhawks CEO and son of Rocky Wirtz. pic.twitter.com/6klkrpc0NV
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 26, 2023
“Our hearts are very heavy today.
Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends. He was a loving father, a devoted husband to Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a doting grandfather to his six remarkable grandchildren.
His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly.”
Rocky Wirtz took over as Blackhawks principal owner in 2007 following the death of Bill Wirtz. The Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013 and 2015) during Rocky Wirtz’s time as principal owner. However, the legacy of that 2010 run was marred by the way the organization handled sexual assault allegations former player Kyle Beach made toward video coach Brad Aldrich.
The Chicago Sun-Times’ Ben Pope notes that Rocky Wirtz celebrated the team getting to select Connor Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Rocky Wirtz celebrated the Blackhawks’ draft lottery win on May 8 with a glass of wine at dinner.
Today’s news of his death comes incredibly suddenly. His legacy isn’t without faults, but this is a huge loss for the Blackhawks organization. pic.twitter.com/Hw6whc0hZX— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 25, 2023
Bettman, NHL ‘deeply saddened’ by passing of Wirtz
Gary Bettman and the NHL released the following statement following Wirtz’s passing.
“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.”
