Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz dies at 70
Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz has died, according to a source. He was 70.
Wirtz had served as principal owner and head of both the hockey franchise and the Wirtz Corp. — which includes the family’s liquor distribution company, Breakthru Beverage Group — since the death of his father, Bill, in 2007. Wirtz was also half-owner of the United Center alongside Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
Under Wirtz’s watch, the Hawks’ brand, revenue and fan base grew enormously, starting with Wirtz’s decision to reverse his father’s policy and begin televising home games shortly after assuming control.
Wirtz’s investment into the on-ice roster and off-ice marketing jumpstarted the most successful era in team history, highlighted by three Stanley Cups.
His last public appearance came at Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson’s introductory press conference in March 2022, shortly after he came under fire for comments about the Hawks’ sexual assault scandal during a February 2022 town hall discussion.
On May 8 of this year, however, Rocky celebrated the Hawks’ draft lottery win with a glass of wine at dinner, demonstrating his continued involvement — albeit in a less public role — in the organization. Tuesday’s news of his death came suddenly and unexpectedly.
Wirtz’s son, Danny, has served as the Hawks’ CEO since 2020 and as Breakthru’s president and vice chairman since 2016 and could be in line to ultimately take leadership of one or both of those entities.
This story will be updated.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
