What happened to Rocky Wirtz? Former Blackhawks owner dies at 70

Former Chicago Blackhawks Chairman, Rocky Wirtz, passed away at the age of 70 after a brief illness. Wirtz had been a prominent figure in the world of sports and business, leaving a lasting impact on the Blackhawks franchise.

Taking over the Blackhawks in 2007, Wirtz continued the family legacy that began when his grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the team in 1954. Under his leadership, the Blackhawks celebrated Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015, igniting a renewed passion for hockey in Chicago.

Wirtz's tenure as chairman was marked by significant transformations both on and off the ice. He negotiated a local TV contract for home games, breaking tradition to enhance fan engagement and ultimately contributing to a 13-year sellout streak. Additionally, Wirtz invested in community initiatives, including a state-of-the-art practice rink and the development of Fifth Third Arena, aimed at fostering interest in hockey among locals.

Beyond his contributions to sports, Wirtz was deeply involved in his family's beverage business, co-chairing the Breakthru Beverage Group and overseeing Wirtz Realty's ventures. He lived in the northern suburbs with his wife, Marilyn, and was a proud father and grandfather.

While Wirtz's legacy is distinguished by triumphs, he faced controversy in his later years regarding the Blackhawks' handling of sexual abuse allegations against former video coach Brad Aldrich. Wirtz maintained that he was unaware of the allegations until the lawsuit emerged in 2021.

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Tributes pour in for Rocky Wirtz

The sudden passing of Rocky Wirtz has sent shockwaves through the sports community. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed deep sadness over the loss, praising Wirtz's dedication to his family, the Blackhawks, and his accomplishments as a businessman.

“The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of W. Rockwell ‘Rocky’ Wirtz,” Bettman said in a statement. “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.”

Under his leadership, the Blackhawks experienced a resurgence, winning three Stanley Cups and earning the admiration of Chicago fans. Colleagues and friends, including Chicago Bulls and White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey, and Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, all paid tribute to Wirtz's remarkable achievements and philanthropy.

“Everyone liked Rocky," Reinsdorf said. "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.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson also lauded him as an Illinois giant and a true champion.