"Sad News: Chicago Blackhawks Owner, Rocky Wirtz, Passes Away at Age 70"

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz dies, leaving behind a hockey legacy.

In a heartbreaking development, it has been reported that Rocky Wirtz, the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, has passed away after a short illness. This news comes from a statement released by his family, who expressed their grief and shared fond memories of their beloved father.

Rocky Wirtz took over as the principal owner of the Blackhawks in 2007, following the death of his father Bill. He was determined to bring the franchise back to its former glory, both on and off the ice. The team had been struggling in terms of attendance, but Rocky implemented changes that revitalized the Blackhawks and brought fans back in droves.

One of his earliest decisions was to put home games back on television, a move that was met with great enthusiasm from fans. This decision, which reversed a previous unpopular choice made by his father, proved to be a turning point for the team. Fans started tuning in and showing up at the United Center, which is co-owned by the Wirtz family and Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago Bulls.

Under Rocky's ownership, the Blackhawks experienced a remarkable resurgence. They went from making only one playoff appearance in a decade to making the postseason for nine consecutive seasons. This period was marked by three Stanley Cup victories, the team's first championships since 1961. The Blackhawks also achieved an impressive sell-out streak of 535 games at the United Center, starting in 2008.

Rocky Wirtz's impact on the team and the city of Chicago was recognized by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who expressed his deep sadness at the news of his passing. Bettman praised Rocky for his dedication to the fans and his efforts to improve the team's performance, which reignited the passion of Chicago's hockey enthusiasts and established a new era of success for the franchise.

In recent years, the Blackhawks have faced challenges, with attendance dropping and only one playoff appearance in the past six seasons. Additionally, the team was embroiled in a scandal involving the mishandling of sexual assault allegations. However, Rocky Wirtz was not implicated in the wrongdoing, and the team ultimately reached a confidential settlement with the victim.

Despite these difficulties, there is renewed hope for the future of the Blackhawks. The team recently drafted promising young talent Connor Bedard, and their value as a franchise remains high, ranking fourth-best in the NHL according to Sportico's valuation in 2021.

The loss of Rocky Wirtz is not only felt within the hockey community but also on a personal level. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described him as a dear friend and respected member of the league's Executive Committee. His wisdom and camaraderie will be greatly missed by his fellow owners.

Rocky Wirtz leaves behind his wife Marilyn, children Danny, Hillary, and Kendall, Marilyn's daughter Elizabeth, and six grandchildren. His legacy as a passionate businessman, dedicated family man, and influential figure in the world of hockey will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.