Chicago Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz surprised the fanbase this afternoon by announcing that team President and CEO, John McDonough, had been relieved of his duties.
Under McDonough’s direction, the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups and were one of the most successful sports franchises of the past decade. That success did come at a price, as large long-term veteran contracts have restricted their ability to reload on the fly, return to the playoffs and challenge for the Cup once again. The team has not qualified for the playoffs since 2017 and has been seemingly stuck in neutral. At the time of the COVID-19 season pause, the team was not in a playoff position.
In the interim, Daniel Wirtz, 43, currently Vice President of the Chicago Blackhawks and alternate Governor to the NHL, will serve as the team’s President.
Danny Wirtz has been an active advisor with the Blackhawks for the past decade, serves as the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation Vice Chairman and is a representative for the team with the United Center Joint Venture.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Wirtz also provides strategic counsel to its diversified holdings which include the Chicago Blackhawks, Breakthru Beverage Group, Wirtz Realty and banking interests in Illinois and Florida. He also is active in the United Center Joint Venture guiding campus evolution and development.
This announcement might bring some hope to the future of the organization, as the overall message and on-ice results seemed to have become stagnant.
Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz announced today the team has released John McDonough from his role as President and CEO of the organization.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 27, 2020