Joel Quenneville Talks About Rocky Wirtz And The Transformation Of Hockey In Chicago

Since Rocky Wirtz has taken over for his late father as owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, the team has gone from a basement dweller in every sense of the term to the cusp of a Stanley Cup. It's taken just three years, too. 'Hawks coach Joel Quenneville spoke with the media about what Wirtz has done with the franchise, transforming it into a respected Original Six club once again.

Rocky has done an amazing thing here in Chicago. ... I think the greatest move right off the bat was hiring John McDonough as far as getting the way the things have been changed as far as getting the TV back on. Where all the road games are being televised. The focus of the Blackhawks in the community, the excitement that's coming to a Blackhawks game. I can recall not too long ago coaching St. Louis where you come in here 4 or 5,000 people in the building.

It was a grim evening where almost you felt like they were supporting the visiting team. Things changed quickly. It's an amazing transformation. But you have to give Rocky a lot of credit that he changed things from the way things used to be. Along with John, I think that we're the beneficiaries today.

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