The Breakaway

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Synopsis

[The book] tells the remarkable story of how Rocky Wirtz, scion of a Chicago business and sports dynasty, defied his family and skeptics to take the Chicago Blackhawks from "worst to first." "Breakaway (noun): 1) Ice hockey. A sudden rush down the ice by a [hockey] player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents." -- [page [vii]]. When Rocky Wirtz took over the Wirtz Corporation in 2007, including management of the Chicago Blackhawks, the fiercely beloved hockey team was playing to a deserted stadium; ESPN had named the franchise the worst in all of sports. Smith follows the history of the franchise, from Arthur Wirtz's business empire during the Depression, through his son Bill taking the helm of the Blackhawks in 1966 and demanding unflinching adherence to Arthur's traditions. To save the team and the company after Bill's death, Rocky launched a radical turnaround campaign that provoked fierce opposition from Wirtz family insiders-- and led to three Stanley Cup championships in six years. adapted from page [vii] and jacket