Chicagosports.com asked fans for their thoughts about Bill Wirtz, and they expressed some strong emotions about the controversial Blackhawks owner.
“While it’s true that Wirtz did a lot for charity I commend him for doing that, on the other hand he let a team, a team I have supported for many years, crumble into practically nothing and for that I am quite disappointed and very angry.”
— Todd
“As the old saying goes, if you have nothing good to say … say nothing. And thus, SILENCE.”
— Silence speaks volumes
“Condolences to the Wirtz family on his passing. As a hockey fan, I look forward to the future. William ‘Wallet’ Wirtz’s greediness and penny-pinching ways pretty much killed hockey in this city.”
— Robert
“You people disgust me. Mr. Wirtz just passed less than 12 hours ago and I’m reading this garbage? Show respect and hold your negative thoughts for at least a few days, when it is OK to think about the future of the Blackhawks … I’m ashamed of these so-called Blackhawk fans!!”
— YUK!!
“Even the sports writers are reaching to say something nice about ‘Dollar.’ … A spade is a spade. … The Blackchickens are better off without him.”
— Justin Cider
“He was consumed by profit! Let that be his epitaph.”
— Maki
“Most people that knew Wirtz liked and respected him. However he has single-handedly destroyed our hockey team over the last 10 years. He had a long and prosperous life and a loving family. So to the family I give my sincere condolences. To the fans, this is a sliver of hope for a resurrection.”
— Berenger
“Bill Wirtz was a man of integrity who held the line against escalating player salaries. He was fiercely loyal to his season-ticket holders, and that cost him dearly in this city.”
— Mike H.
“Hopefully this will lead to a change in ownership. It’s past time the Wirtzes sell this team. This team needs to be restored to the team it once was, full of pride, tradition and respect.”
— Hopeful Hawks Fan
“The day Bobby Hull left was my last day as a Hawks fan. I’ll always put that on Wirtz.”
— Dennis
“He was the worst sports team owner in Chicago history because he was cheap, rude to the fans and refused to sell the team. He was loyal to mediocrity and disloyal to talent like Bobby Hull. Hopefully, they broke the mold when they made him. Sympathies to the family for their loss.”
— Joseph
“My father worked for Bill Wirtz for 26 years and couldn’t have asked for a better, more loyal and generous employer. My condolences to the Wirtz Family, and those who vilify him should be ashamed.”
— The Defender
“The hockey world lost a great man. Mr. Wirtz was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.”
— Murray Bannerman
