Wirtz, Blackhawks owner, dies at 70

W. Rockwell "Rocky" Wirtz, principal owner and chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks, died Tuesday. He was 70 years old.

"The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of W. Rockwell 'Rocky' Wirtz," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "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.

"Rocky's focus on connecting with the club's fans and improving the team's performance on the ice rekindled Chicago fans' love affair with their hockey team and build a modern dynasty.

"On a personal level, Rocky was a dear friend whose counsel I consistently sought. He was a highly respected member of the Executive Committee of the League's Board of Governors whose wisdom and camaraderie were valued by his fellow owners.

"The NHL sends its sincere condolences to Rocky's wife, Marilyn; his children Danny, Kendall and Hillary; Marilyn's daughter, Elizabeth; and their six grandchildren. He will be missed greatly."

Born Oct. 5, 1952, Wirtz was the grandson of Arthur Wirtz, who bought a stake in the Blackhawks in 1950 and acquired outright ownership of them in 1966. His father, Bill, owned the team from 1983-2007, when Rocky inherited it in 2007, after Bill Wirtz's death.

During Rocky Wirtz's tenure, Chicago won the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015). In 2007, the Blackhawks made a deal with Comcast SportsNet Chicago (now NBC Sports Chicago) to televise home games, something that wasn't done during Bill Wirtz's tenure unless it was nationally televised.

Patrick Kane, selected No. 1 by Chicago in the 2007 NHL Draft and a key member of the three championship teams, said in a statement that Wirtz always had the players' best interests in mind.

"Not only was Rocky Wirtz a great man and humble to the core, he was extremely loyal and generious to everyone, but especially to us players," Kane said. "He always made sure everything was first class for us. That mattered to him, just like winning and just like his family. My sympathy to his wife Marilyn, to his son Danny, and the entire Wirtz and Blackhawks family."

Jonathan Toews, the No. 3 pick at the 2006 NHL Draft and Blackhawks capain from 2008 until the end of last season, thanked Wirtz in an Instagram post.

"Being a Blackhawk all these years has been special because you felt you were part of a family. Not only with the players and the organization, but with the fans and the greater Chicago community. Rocky Wirtz led this example every day," Toews wrote. "I knew Rocky to be a humble, caring person. He showed how to be an incredible business man that brought the emotion and excitement of 3 championships to Chicago, while maintaining the most genuine and sincere relationships with all those who worked for him. I owe so much to him and his family for making all of my dreams of being a professional hockey player come true.

"I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. My sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his wife Marilyn, his son Danny, and to the rest of the Wirtz family."

Wirtz helped mend relationships that were frayed between former players and his father, welcoming back several Hockey Hall of Fame players as ambassadors: forwards Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita in December 2007, goaltender Tony Esposito in February 2008 and forward Denis Savard in November 2008.

"Our hearts are very heavy today," Rocky's son, Blackhawks chief executive officer Danny Wirtz said in a statement. "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."

Wirtz was a member of the NHL's executive and audit/finance committees and had also led the family's beverage business since 1980. He was co-owner of the United Center with Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.