A Wirtz is making headlines in Chicago once again. This time it's for all the right reasons.
Rocky Wirtz is quickly trying to make amends with Blackhawks fans who were turned off by the penny-pinching ways of his late father Bill, who died in September. Unlike Bill, he's listening to what fans want and is cleaning house in an attempt to construct a competitive hockey club.
Yes, it's hard to believe a Wirtz is being proactive in running the Hawks.
To start things off, Rocky Wirtz recently pushed out long-time senior vice-president Bob Pulford, taking away his role in the day-to-day operation of the hockey club. Pulford, a faithful lackey of Bill Wirtz, was responsible for years of mismanagement. His marching orders came from Bill, and like a good soldier, he was loyal to the old crony.
Next came the welcome news that the Hawks will televise a handful of home games between now and the end of the season. More games will be added to the TV schedule if possible. Seriously.
As Hawks fans know, that's shocking progress. I bet Bill rolled over in his grave when he heard the news.
The Wirtz family didn't believe in televising Blackhawks' home games. Their spin was that season ticket holders shouldn't be paying for something they could see at home for free. In reality, the blackout was an attempt to prevent ticket sales from going down.
Rocky, who admittedly knows little about running an NHL franchise, has brought in advisors and management to bring this franchise back to respectability.
It's a savvy business decision, welcomed by all Hawks fans.
A new owner taking progressive steps in rebuilding this sorry — err, storied — franchise is nothing but good news.
Hawks fans, finally, have reason for optimism.