Rocky Wirtz cause of death is linked to brief illness

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Rocky Wirtz cause of death is linked to brief illness.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Wirtz’s passing, saying in part, “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 the storied, Original Six, franchise…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 terribly.”

“Rocky Wirtz was a champion in every sense of the word – in family, in business, in sports ownership, and most important, in life,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. “From his stalwart leadership of the Wirtz Corporation and multitude of corporate ventures, to the Blackhawks’ miracle run of three Stanley Cup champions in six seasons, he exemplified class and excellence at every turn.”

As chairman of the Blackhawks, Wirtz was responsible for all aspects of the team’s operations. His grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, bought the Blackhawks in 1954.

Rocky Wirtz’s father, Bill Wirtz, owned the team until his death in 2007, at which point Rocky Wirtz took over. The 2007 season was Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’ rookie season.

When Rocky Wirtz stepped into the role, the organization saw a huge change on the ice and off. Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz has died, sources said Tuesday.

We are told Wirtz died after a short illness. Wirtz was 70.

William Rockwell Wirtz had been chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks and President of the Wirtz Corporation since 2007. As CBS 2’s Jermont Terry reported, Wirtz was at the helm of the team through three Stanley Cup wins – and a tarnishing controversy.

Rocky Wirtz was 2 years old when his grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the Blackhawks in 1954. Rocky Wirtz took over the team after his father, William, died in September 2007.

William Wirtz was nicknamed “Dollar Bill” for his frugality when it came to acquiring the services of the game’s best players. And the team struggled, making only one playoff appearance from 1998-2008.

Everything changed when Rocky Wirtz became the team chairman. He helped re-establish the franchise’s connection to some of its best players from the past. He put the team’s games back on local TV, and the Blackhawks had a lengthy sellout streak that ended in 2021.

Everything changed when Rocky Wirtz became the team chairman. He helped re-establish the franchise’s connection to some of its best players from the past. He put the team’s games back on local TV, and the Blackhawks had a lengthy sellout streak that ended in 2021.

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