Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Faker's Guide to the Chicago Blackhawks-- Part 2: Owners and Mikita

THE OWNERS:  Upon Frederic McLaughlin's death in 1944, after Stanley Cups in 1934 and 1938, the Norris family took over.  Under James D. Norris' stewardship, the Hawks won the Cup in 1961.

Upon Norris' death in 1966, the Wirtz family took over.  Arthur Wirtz, who was called the "Baron of the Bottom Line," let Bobby Hull jump to the fledgling World Hockey Association.  He never won a Cup.  Wirtz's son, "Dollar Bill" Wirtz, ran the club equally tightfistedly, overseeing the departures of Chris Chelios, Ed Belfour and just about anyone else who was good.  Bill never won a Cup.

His son, Rocky Wirtz took over the Hawks in 2007 and immediately put home games on TV.  he hired John McDonough to turn around a dreary organization.  Back then, you rarely saw anyone wearing anything with the Blackhawks on it, much less the increasingly popular jerseys.

Rocky spent money to make the hockey team better and has won two Stanley Cups.

Go Figure.

STAN MIKITA:  Hall of Fame center.  retired number.  member of 1961 Stanley Cup champions.

One of the greatest puck handlers and passers in history.  Also invented the curved stick.  Lots of reasons for goalies back then to hate him.

If I get another jersey, it will be his.

He Shoots!! He SCORES!!  --DaCoot

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