CHICAGO — Rocky Wirtz, the businessman owner of the Chicago Blackhawks who oversaw the team’s three most recent Stanley Cup titles, died Tuesday. He was 70.
Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz announced his father’s death in a statement on behalf of his family. He said the elder Wirtz died at NorthShore Evanston Hospital after a brief illness.
“Our hearts are very heavy today,” Danny Wirtz said. “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.”
The Wirtz family has owned the Blackhawks since 1954 when Arthur Wirtz, Rocky Wirtz’ grandfather, bought the team, according to a team bio. His father, Bill Wirtz, oversaw the team from 1983 until his death in 2007.
Rocky Wirtz then took over as chairman, and the team won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The team also sold out its home games at the United Center for 13 years, according to the team’s statement.
He remained chairman as he handed over day-to-day operations to Danny Wirtz in 2005, according to Forbes. He also co-owned the United Center with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League, said Wirtz “built a modern dynasty” out of one of the Original Six franchises.
“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 …” Bettman said in a statement.
Watch our “On The Block” TV show on The U, CW26 and MeTV.
Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast”:
