Danny Wirtz Takes Over as Chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks
There wasn’t much fanfare when Danny Wirtz assumed the role of chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks. As the team’s CEO since 2020 and the son of Rocky Wirtz, it was the natural choice for him to step into the top position within the organization following his father’s passing on July 25. On July 29, Wirtz officially became chairman of the Wirtz Corporation, which encompasses the Blackhawks, as well as the family’s beverage and real estate businesses. Surprisingly, there was no formal press release to announce his new role.
While transitioning from CEO to chairman won’t bring about significant changes for Wirtz, taking over the entire family business will require him to spread himself a little thinner. He acknowledges that he will rely heavily on Blackhawks president of business operations Jaime Faulkner and general manager Kyle Davidson, both of whom he appointed to their current positions.
Wirtz joined the franchise as interim CEO in April 2020 after his father dismissed longtime president John McDonough. He then became the permanent CEO in December of that year. At 46 years old, Wirtz has become the public face and voice of the Blackhawks as his father took a step back from daily operations.
Wirtz emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the Blackhawks and ensuring that it continues to grow and thrive as an integral part of their family business. While he plans to remain actively involved, he also recognizes the need to delegate responsibilities to Faulkner and Davidson, allowing them to run their respective areas of expertise. This approach will remain unchanged despite his additional responsibilities as chairman.
Exciting Changes in Blackhawks Broadcasting
Fans of the Chicago Blackhawks will no longer have to wonder who will be calling the games when they tune in to TV or radio broadcasts this season. On the radio, John Wiedeman will handle play-by-play duties, with Troy Murray serving as the color analyst, just as they have in the past. The decision to bring them back together was a direct response to fan feedback.
On the TV side, Chris Vosters will take on the play-by-play role, while newly hired Darren Pang will serve as the color analyst for most games. Initially, there were concerns that Pang’s national duties with TNT would cause him to miss a significant number of Blackhawks games. However, it has been confirmed that his absences will be minimal. When Pang is unavailable, Caley Chelios will step in as his backup, occasionally joined by Troy Murray.
Exploring New Broadcasting Opportunities
Jaime Faulkner, the Blackhawks’ president of business operations, also discussed the ever-evolving landscape of regional sports networks. The team’s contract with NBC Sports Chicago is set to expire in 2024, prompting them to closely monitor the situation and explore their options.
Faulkner revealed that they are actively engaged in conversations with various media companies, including Amazon and Metas, to gain insights into their perspectives on live sports and content. They are keen on making informed decisions that align with the best interests of not only the Blackhawks but also the Bulls and the White Sox. Faulkner emphasized the importance of staying informed about the plans of other leagues, such as the NBA and Major League Baseball, as their decisions could impact the Blackhawks’ broadcasting future.
Remembering Rocky Wirtz
During the NHL Players’ Association Player Media Tour, Connor Bedard unveiled a “Rocky” patch that the Blackhawks will wear this season in honor of Rocky Wirtz. The patch received positive feedback, with Danny Wirtz expressing his admiration for it.
While the Blackhawks currently do not have a corporate sponsor patch on their jerseys, Faulkner confirmed that they are open to the idea. However, they are being cautious and taking their time to find the right partner. With the market saturated with teams seeking patch sponsorships, they want to ensure that any potential partnership aligns with their values and benefits both parties involved. They are in no rush to make a decision and are engaging in discussions with various large companies to explore potential opportunities.
In Conclusion
Danny Wirtz’s transition to chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks was a natural progression given his role as CEO and his family’s legacy within the organization. While he acknowledges the increased responsibilities, he remains committed to the team’s growth and success. The broadcasting team for the upcoming season has been finalized, with fan-favorite voices returning to both radio and TV broadcasts. The Blackhawks are also closely monitoring the changing landscape of regional sports networks and exploring potential opportunities for future broadcasting partnerships. Additionally, they plan to honor Rocky Wirtz with a special patch on their jerseys this season.