From the worst franchise in professional sports to one of the greatest dynasties within a decade.
That was Rocky Wirtz. The catalyst to the change. Yes, there was a ton of controversy towards the last two or three years. We all know what happened there. Certainly, that report by the law firm showed he wasn’t aware of what was going on. Then there was that town hall last year where he went off on a reporter. A horrible set of scenarios ensued. Before I knew it, they forced their long-time announcers out of town, got rid of all of the players and coaches and started anew.
As a fan, it still feels a bit tarnished. A Stanley Cup that I had waited for my entire life happened at 24. Then at 27 and 29. So we looked up to him as a savior.
When I was growing up, the Blackhawks could never get that Cup. Teams like the Red Wings or Avalanche always stood in their way. Then as I got older, the team got bad fast. And even worse as I got into high school and college.
Then the old man kicks the bucket and his son takes over. Rocky started the renaissance. The change that we had begged for. We didn’t see it with other teams in the city. Again, controversy or not, he should be thanked for making the franchise relevant. Putting home games on TV and having ratings as a whole go up in hockey, he had a lot to do with it. He brought back Pat Foley after he was fired by his dad for no logical reason.
If it wasn’t for him, we fans probably don’t see a Stanley Cup in Chicago. So he should get his due for that. And with the team appearing to get back to being contenders in the coming years, he should be thanked.
Fire Ryan Poles | Fire Ben Johnson 
SHOW DA FIRE AND PASSION, MY FRENDT!