Hawks give McDonough CEO title

A year after hoisting the Stanley Cup trophy in Chicago, the Blackhawks have added the title of Chief Executive Officer to John McDonough’s duties as team president.

“John has shown unprecedented leadership, boundless energy and a tireless ability to move the Blackhawks forward since he took over operations for the organization in 2007,” Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz said in a statement released Wednesday. “It is only appropriate that we add CEO to his title as the direction of this franchise continues to strive for excellence.”

“I feel that our franchise has made steady progress over the past four seasons, but we will always be motivated by our quest for consistent excellence,” said McDonough. “It is an honor to be a part of the Blackhawks franchise and I appreciate the confidence that Rocky Wirtz has demonstrated in me.”

McDonough was named president of the Blackhawks on Nov. 20, 2007. Under his guidance, in what Forbes.com has called the “The Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever,” the Blackhawks revitalized the team’s profile and its fan base. The Blackhawks achieved their “One Goal” of a Stanley Cup championship in 2010, the team’s first title since 1961.

The Blackhawks, who have led the NHL in average attendance the last three seasons, established an NHL club record by attracting a league-leading average of 21,783 to their 40 home dates at the United Center.