2007-09-26 05:53:19 · 5 answers · asked by Matt F 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
For a little more clarification, the misery I truly speak of is the mistakes of Bob Pulford who was protected by the passed Wirtz to the cause of much aligned hirings of coaches and poor drafts. Dale Tallon is a great step forward but will Hawk Fans still have to deal will Bob.
2007-09-26 08:25:01 · update #1
Nothing will change. Peter Wirtz has been running the team for the last 10 years so I don't expect many changes at all. If any.
People forget that the Wirtz family rescued this team 50+ years ago
- they forget the Stanley Cup in 1961, the Finals appearances in 1971, 73, and 1992
- they forget that he was the key figure behind the NHL-WHA merger
- they forget his role in Hockey USA (which led to an Olympic bronze in 1976 and gold in 1980)
Time and time again, the team has been cited as a model example of how sports teams should be run.
Again, I may be a little biased, but unlike most (if not all) people on here. I know the Wirtz family, and I like them.
Bob.
The entire family is very tight with a dollar. Their entire organization is run like a machine. Both Arthur and Bill loved hockey (I can't speak for Peter) but they weren't going to ruin themselves financially for it. Fans all the time complain that athletes are paid too much........the Wirtz family was one of those owners who agreed with the fans. If you wanted more than they thought you were worth....they sent you packing. The family has been very good to me. I'm sure that if you talk to Cam, he'll have positive things to say as well. Yes, a lot of the players were upset that the family wouldn't go out and sign 'over-priced' free agents.............but for the most part, Wirtz has seen many people go belly-up and the family (in his mind) has worked to hard to watch what they have fritter away. A lot of the $350+ million he has donated....came from the very fans who are roasting him now.
When the team was winning, the fans filled the arena. When the team loses, the fans don't. Chicago has done the same to the Cubs and the White Sox and 4 years ago, the Bulls finished dead last in NBA attendance. Hopefully this batch of young kids, and the NHL salary cap can revitalize the team to the glory of the the first 40 years the Wirtz family owned the team.
Glen,
The Blackhawks are far from a small-market team. From an American city standpoint, they are the #2 team as far as apparel sales, revenue generation (behind the Red Wings), and #3 as far as local radio/TV deals (just no home games on TV) behind Detroit and New Jersey. Contrary to your assessment, last year's average attendance was just over 12,700 and was greater than the Chicago Wolves attendance of 7,566 last year
2007-09-26 06:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by Like I'm Telling You Who I A 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like I'm telling you.... seems to be on the inside of things with the Hawks so more misery.
Which is too bad for once a proud organization and hockey city. I think most people would agree that the Chicago Blackhawks are a small market team and has allowed the Chicago Wolves an AHL team has become the towns new team.
While the Wirtzes may be able to tell you where to buy the finest cavair, 30 year old scotch and good deals on late model Cadillacs, but they have shown in recent years to be very inept of running a franchise. Cheap with the players and expensive for the fans
LITY....,
I think we can both agree that 12700 is an discomforting number for the 3rd largest city and close to 7500 isn't bad for a AHL team that actually broadcast its home games.
The term "small market" was more a reference of the teams and talent they have fielded over the last several seasons.
2007-09-26 06:32:27 · answer #2 · answered by Glen Greene 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Like I'm Telling You- Don't forget his backing and help in getting the United Center in place.
I am not to familiar with the situation, quite removed from it actually.
I do find irony in the fact that he is/was referred to as "Dollar Bill" for his penchance for being a tight wad while at the same time donating millions of dollars to worthy causes, not excluding the development of hockey. Makes him OK in my book I guess.
I also find sadness in the fact that a once vibrant hockey hotbed seems to now be one of the least talked about franchises.
2007-09-26 06:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by Bob Loblaw 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Always nice to get a little of the inside scoop. Up to the challenge as usual Like I'm Telling You.
RIP William Wirtz, love or hate him, he certainly left a legacy to the game.
2007-09-26 09:24:15 · answer #4 · answered by PuckDat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suspect pulford will retire, Dudley will become more visible.
things will change, but how, only time will tell.
I have no crystal ball to gaze into.
2007-09-27 17:27:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋