The Daily: A Public Farewell to Rocky Wirtz

Today marks the public service to Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz who passed away two weeks ago at age 70. The event will be at the United Center and a program will begin at 11am. Fans can then pay their respects after until about 3pm.

Wirtz’s death was unexpected, one that brought in a host of condolences but also reopened the critiques of the Brad Aldrich scandal that happened under his work. The Blackhawks were reenergized and reborn under Wirtz’s leadership, going from a league laughingstock to a model franchise of how to win during the Cap Era.

Son Danny Wirtz was named the new chairman following his father’s death and prior to that, had begun making changes to different elements of the organization.

One striking coincidence pointed out by many – Rocky took over as the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews started their careers. He saw Chicago draft Connor Bedard who many believe will lead Chicago back to prominence, a bookend of his 15 years at the helm.

Please join us in honoring the legacy of our late Chairman Rocky Wirtz on Wednesday August 9th.

Details on the event ⬇️https://t.co/LY13LTwF0R

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 31, 2023

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