Blackhawks players, alumni, fans recall Rocky Wirtz’s amicability at public memorial

Pat Foley was one of several speakers at late Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz’s public memorial Wednesday at the United Center. (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times)

When former Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook decided to retire in March 2021, as he recounted Wednesday, he drove to late Hawks chairman Rocky Wirtz’s house to tell him personally and thank him for his support over the years.

But that simple message proved more difficult to share than he anticipated.