The Chicago Blackhawks organization and the Wirtz family suffered a tragedy earlier this summer when Rocky Wirtz, the principal owner and chairman, passed away suddenly at the age of 70 on July 25, 2023.
Rocky led the Blackhawks through difficult times and through great times when the team won three Stanley Cups in 10 years in 2010's. In honour of his memory, the organization decided to install a patch on each Blackhawks jersey that says 'Rocky' for the 2023-2024 season.
His grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, bought a stake in the Blackhawks in 1950 and acquired outright ownership in 1966. Bill Wirtz assumed control of the team after the passing of his father and then Rocky later on in 2007.
Since his passing, Danny Wirtz has become the principal owner and CEO, where he will lead the team into the new era with Connor Bedard leading the charge.
