Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz dies at 70

Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz died suddenly at the age of 70 on Tuesday, the team announced.

He died at NorthShore Evanston Hospital near Chicago after a brief illness while surrounded by his wife and four children, according to a statement by the Wirtz Corporation, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun Times.

Wirtz inherited the team from his father, Bill, in 2007. He oversaw Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

"Our hearts are very heavy today," Danny Wirtz, Rocky's son and the team's CEO, 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 his close friends."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman offered his condolences.

"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 built a modern dynasty," Bettman said.

"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."

Despite the team's on-ice success under his watch, Wirtz has been heavily criticized over the last couple of years upon learning how the Blackhawks failed to act on the alleged sexual assault of prospect Kyle Beach by video coach Brad Aldrich during the team's Cup run in 2010. Wirtz notably berated reporters for asking about Beach during a town hall event in 2022.

The Blackhawks have been owned by a member of the Wirtz family since 1954.