THE CANADIAN PRESS
CHICAGO — Rocky Wirtz is taking over as chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks after his brother Peter Wirtz resigned as vice-president, the team said Friday.
The moves come just over a week after their father, William W. Wirtz, died at age 77 of cancer.
"While I had hoped that Peter would stay on and help in rebuilding the Chicago Blackhawks into a winning and successful franchise, I respect his decision," Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. "He has worked at my father’s side for many years and has decided, at this time, to change his focus."
Rocky Wirtz added that he looked forward to working with general manager Dale Tallon and head coach Denis Savard, praising them both. Tallon is heading into his third season as GM while Savard is starting his first full season after coaching 61 games last season.
The Blackhawks haven’t made the playoffs since the 2001-02 season.
"I feel the team is in good hands under Dale’s guidance and leadership," said Wirtz. "We are all focused on putting a winning team on the ice and winning the Stanley Cup."
Peter Wirtz, meanwhile, will retain his role as president of Bismarck Enterprises. In leaving the team after more than 20 years, he pledged his full co-operation to his brother.
"With my father gone, I have served this tour of duty with the Blackhawks and have chosen to step down so that my bother Rocky can instil new and fresh leadership into the organization," he said in a statement. "My brother brings with him a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm from my family’s other businesses and I know he will be successful in leading and directing the team for many years to come."
