Blackhawks fans rip Danny Wirtz statement released after sellout streak ends

All good things must come to an end eventually. The struggling Chicago Blackhawks just didn't think it would be like this, especially after their offseason moves that they believed would put them right back in playoff contention. 

During last night's 6-3 loss to the rival Detroit Red Wings at United Center, it was revealed that the team's sellout streak of 535 consecutive games dating back to the 2008-09 season had officially come to an end. There were 675 tickets that remained unsold in the 19,717 capacity venue, ending the streak early into what has been the team's worst start since the 1997-98 season. 

Oh, and they officially entered themselves into NHL history for all of the wrong reasons. They now hold the record for the longest time to start a season without a lead at 360:57 and counting, officially passing the lowly mark set by the Washington Capitals during the 2000-01 season. 

And while team president Danny Wirtz attempted to say that this was an opportunity to diversify the fanbase and open an “opportunity to reassure fans both new and old that there is absolutely a seat here for them”, that statement is falling on deaf ears. 

“We thank our fans for bringing the energy each and every game night – and in this moment, it’s hard to be anything but grateful to them for showing up in full force for more than 530 games in a row,” Wirtz said in the statement. “We’re actively building toward more competitive play on the ice as well as an experience that invites fans back following the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s also important to note that we’ve set a number of goals to welcome new and more diverse audiences into Blackhawks hockey moving forward, and greater accessibility to tickets is a big part of that. This is a great opportunity to reassure fans both new and old that there is absolutely a seat [at the United Center] for them.”

Needless to say, the reaction to Wirtz's statement wasn't exactly positive.