Wirtz Dies

We here at COHF would like to extend deepest condolences to the Wirtz family for the loss of their patriarch Bill Wirtz. Bill passed away earlier today marking an expected change within the Blackhawks organization.

I did the diligent research about the guy and saw enough to confirm the reputation that the club ownership had received as expressed through bloggers and the drive-by media. Bill Wirtz often made his PR job difficult by allegedly being shrewd with team finances. Often, hockey fans will poke at the decision to blackout local TV. This campaign led me to find Wirtzsucks.com - a website dedicated to venting the frustrations of poor management.

I would at least attempt to make a different approach and point out the continued need for cancer research and how badly humanity needs to find a cure. The NHL has been a leading contributor to cancer charities making this latest Wirtz tragedy another plank on the platform.

Wirtz may not have always put money into the franchise in past years, but he did make many contributions to the Chicago community.

Despite his reputation for paying close attention to the bottom line, Wirtz was known for his philanthropy.

Since its establishment in 1993, Blackhawk Charities has donated millions of dollars to worthy causes in Chicago, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois.

He was also key in the construction to the United Center.

[Via: NHL Network]