The hockey world and Chicago sports community were rocked with unexpected news last night.
Blackhawks owner W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz died at the age of 70, the team confirmed on Tuesday evening. As everyone continues to digest this awful news, the White Sox released the following statement on behalf of chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
“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.”
via Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox chairman
According to a statement by his son, Danny, Wirtz passed away at NorthShore Evanston Hospital after a brief illness. Rocky was surrounded by his wife Marilyn and four children at his passing.
“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.”
via Danny Wirtz, son of Rocky
The Chicago Blackhawks have been in the Wirtz family since 1954 when Rocky’s grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the team. Rocky grew up around the team and took over as the franchise’s chairman in 2007 following the passing of his father, Bill. The rest from there is history.
Rocky led a renaissance of the organization that returned Blackhawk games to local television and saw the United Center sold out for a lengthy streak that lasted over 13 years. Most notably, Wirtz leaves behind a legacy that is highlighted by the team’s dominant stretch of three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015, which turned the Blackhawks into the elite franchise that it is today.
Our entire team here at Sox On 35th extends our condolences to the Wirtz family and all of those impacted by Rocky’s loss.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more White Sox news!
Featured Photo: © Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Now if only Reinsdorf would follow suit…… then the Sox could hopefully get an owner who will fix all the Sox ills.
The Tribune today stated that Wirtz focused on connecting with the fans and improving team performance. Fan attendance soared as a result! Three Stanley Cups! Yes, there was the sex abuse scandal, so not everything was good. The fact that it was covered up taints those achievements! But Wirtz’ focus is the exact opposite of Reinsdorf’s, whose attitude is that fans can go screw themselves!