Your father, Rocky Wirtz, was credited with ushering in a modern era for the organization. What are the most important lessons you carry from him into your own leadership?
My dad taught me that culture and relationships matters as much as talent and performance. He believed that if you treat people with respect – and give them what they need to succeed – great things can happen and performance will follow.
He also pushed me to trust my instincts. He didn’t want me to lead like him; he wanted me to lead authentically. That lesson has stayed with me – especially in moments that require conviction or clarity when the path forward isn’t obvious. His impact on this franchise went far beyond wins and losses, and I feel that presence every day.
The Blackhawks are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Share what this centennial moment means to you personally and what you are most excited to see happen over the next 5-10 years.
The Centennial is incredibly meaningful – not just as a milestone, but as a moment to reflect on how deeply this team is woven into Chicago’s identity. That responsibility feels even more profound knowing how much my family has been part of the story.
What excites me the most is that our Centennial isn’t just backward-looking. It’s about recommitting to innovation, community, and growing the game. Over the next decade, I want the Blackhawks to be known not only for competing at the highest level again, but for developing players the right way, expanding access to hockey, and continuing to evolve what a modern sports franchise can be.