NEWS: Former Players Share Memories of Rocky Wirtz

As the the Wirtz Family and the Chicago Blackhawks honored the legacy of late Chairman W. Rockwell "Rocky" Wirtz at the United Center, former players shared their memories of Rocky during the public memorial:

CHRIS CHELIOS

"Thank you to Rocky, and what the Wirtz family has done, they've meant everything to me. I'm sure there's countless numbers of people that can share their stories on Rocky or the Wirtz family that had that impact on them also, to help them through their lives. No one has ever accomplished and gave more than Rocky did.

What he accomplished as an owner with the Chicago Blackhawks, that put him on the map and he didn't want the credit. He just loved being there as a fan, but he did embrace it like no other owner I've ever seen in my life."

MARIAN HOSSA

"In my own businesses at home, I have continued to use the important lessons that Rocky taught me - have a vision, stay true to your word and treat people with respect. These lessons came naturally to him. I want him and his family to know that I will do the best to pass these lessons on to continue Rocky's legacy."

DARREN PANG

"Rocky was doing something that hadn't been done here and he was growing our great game of hockey and boy, did he ever. This rekindled the [Blackhawks] passion and Rocky connected with the fans. It was the greatest sports business turnaround ever, …

Rocky made it. He built it with his vision, his personality has made this United Center really feel like the old Chicago stadium."

BRENT SEABROOK

"Rocky made us, as players, feel like we were in this together. It was never him being an owner and us being players. We were all pulling on the same rope together. That type of relationship in this world is rare, but as a player, I always appreciated that. It was a privilege to be a Blackhawk and that started with Rocky."

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