I went from building a case for why he should have been considered Chicagos next general manager on Blackhawks Banter, to being less than surprised to see him depart their broadcasting booth. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. The weathers been unbelievable, Olczyk said. He has his gig with TNT to call national hockey games and he reportedly is in agreement to broadcast games with the Seattle Kraken (even though he didn't verbally admit it). That something new is the Seattle Kraken. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. "Both my boys and my brother, and (general manager) Ronnie Francis, we. At least the way Eddie Olczyk sees it. Eddie Olczyk Jr., the son of former NHL forward and NBC Sports hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk, released the following statement Thursday on Twitter in response to countless messages the family has received after his father was diagnosed with colon cancer last week: Tweet from @Edzo16: Thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/MdKuObmPr6, "After what has been a very emotional number of days for my family, I'd like to say thank you for the unbelievable amount of support we have received," said Olczyk Jr., an assistant hockey coach at Bemidji State University. Previously, he covered the Blackhawks and the White Sox for ESPN Chicago. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. Exactly one year after his diagnosis, there was one goal remaining: Olczyk was to watch son Eddie Jr. get married Saturday. Just the way everything worked out and everybody kind of being in the places and the opportunity that was there, I needed to take a step back and figure out if that was (what I wanted).. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on February 22, 2013. While Olczyk has repeatedly said it was his decision to step aside during his recent media appearances, it seems very evident he didnt want to leave. The decision left Hawks' fans confused. I'm just proud as heck.". They already have had significant layoffs in the organization, and now with Foley and Olczyk off the payroll and a cost-saving rebuild underway they can save more. He was named a captain at Brown University during his senior season. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. Ed Olczyk Position: C Shoots: Left 6-1 , 207lb (185cm, 93kg) Born: August 16 , 1966 (Age: 56-199d) in Chicago, Illinois us Draft: Chicago, 1st round (3rd overall), 1984 NHL Entry As Coach: 2 Yrs, 316418, 80 Pts. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. He is currently assistant general manager for the Carolina Hurricanes. The nurse keeps popping in and out not to check on Diana, but to tell Olczyk that the Maple Leafs. He finished his career in Chicago. He was selected by the Blackhawks with the third pick in the 1984 NHL Draft, and played five seasons for them (1984-87, 1998-2000). A little later, Olczyk leaves the restaurant, walks down a set of stairs and joins media members near the top of a set of bleachers to watch a hockey practice. "Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. He's going to go pound for pound with this disease and be standing with his hands in the air at the end as he did 361 times in his career. The Hawks have been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. He and Pat Foley, who is also now gone. Follow. Im still trying my hardest to get up to speed with Chris Vosters. I was looking forward to hearing Olczyk next season, as the club is not expected to be good, and he is always entertaining to listen to. Eddie Olczyk. "We have a plaque, actually, in our house right when you walk in the foyer that says, 'We interrupt this family for hockey.' And Im happy for the organization, obviously, on a professional level, but on a personal level, Im just ecstatic and over the moon.. Although the news is still shocking, the dust has settled after a few days. When thinking about most of the games Olczyk worked last year, they were mainly with Foley before he joined Chris Vosters for a handful of games toward the end of the season. Olczyks brother Ricky is a Kraken assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Eddie Olczyk released a statement sayinghe wasdiagnosed with colon cancer. He expects to do about 45 Kraken games and probably another 50 NHL games, including the playoffs, with TNT. Olczyk was tied with Phil Kessel for the second-longest point streak by an American-born player in NHL history, at 18 games, having set the original mark in 198990, while with Toronto. The NHL player turned broadcaster was on his second round of chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer, and the effects were so severe that he told his wife, Diana . My heart breaks for his family, former colleagues and every player who was lucky enough to call him their coach. Youd be hard-pressed to find anyone more loyal to the Hawks over the last 16 years than Eddie O, whether it be in the broadcast booth or in the community. He was traded several times during his career. "For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. Hell join the Krakens booth next season. When Nick had expressed an interest in broadcasting after his college career, Olczyk encouraged him to seek opportunities anywhere he could. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Hes taken in some of the scenery and gotten to know the area. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. He shares the same sentiment about his departure. Not solely because of the Olczyk news, but more so because of all that led up to it. No. That he was a former draft pick made it that much more special to witness. All Rights Reserved. At the end of the day it is always about money and terms. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Olczyk took the high road by owning the decision to leave, but he didnt arrive at it alone. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. CHICAGO -- Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts.. He's expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season, joining the . The record was broken by Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 201516 season. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. That kind of reminds you, 'Work hard and you do what you have to do and it's for your children.' Olczyk, who turns 51 on Aug. 16, has been the in-game analyst for Chicago Blackhawks games on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and WGN-TV since the 2006-07 season. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he fell in love with the game of hockey during an era when most kids preferred balls to pucks. This wasnt Olczyk navigating through the United Center and meeting his son to watch the Chicago Blackhawks practice before a broadcast. It started with multiple reports detailing that he was stepping away. 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Theres plenty of work ahead perfecting this seasons setup for a second-year Kraken fan base quite different from the Original Six market he left behind. Eddie Olczyk and Diana Olczyks family live and breathe hockey. Next Up In His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Now, I completely respect Olczyks decision to step aside, especially if the two sides were not willing to come to an agreement. Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. My plan, full honesty, was then to make the jump to the American League for five years and then have 10 years in the minors and then maybe get a chance in the NHL. T Eddie Olczyk is moving on from the organization after 16 seasons as the team's TV color analyst, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. Short Bio. He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. They could have him, Forslund and Brown in the same booth depending on the size of an arenas broadcast area or have one working from a different vantage point. "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. The grueling ordeal, chronicled in hisBeating the Odds: In Hockey and in Lifebook co-authored with Perry Lefko, ended in March 2018 when he announced on-air he was cancer-free. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs, Eddie Olczyk has a high-flying career literally. Im sure there will be a day where its pouring rain, and Ill call you, like, hey, its raining here, just so you know, and it hasnt stopped.. He returned to Pittsburgh to become the color commentator for the Penguins on FSN Pittsburgh, where he was given the nickname "Edzo" by current radio announcer and then co-announcer Mike Lange. Just the timing is what it is, and you have to make those decisions. You need that entering a rebuild, and theyre missing out. "I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment," Olczyk said in a statement issued by the Blackhawks on Tuesday. For as good as Olczyk is a broadcaster, I will even more so miss his personality and what he brought to the broadcasts as a human being. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. Hell join the ROOT Sports booth alongside incumbent Kraken play-by-play voice John Forslund a former NBC Sports teammate on national broadcasts and analyst JT Brown. Olczyk's brother Ricky is a Kraken assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Sign up for our regular 'Blackhawks Newsletter' for all the latest. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. Eddie Olczyk has been the Blackhawks TV analyst since 2006. Because there are a couple of times over the years where I was doing a lot of games, maybe doing like five in six (days), and I think I called Doc (Emrick) Pat (Foley) and Pat, Doc. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. "Again, his love for hockey and his passion, and my love and passion for hockey is a common bond. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. With Eddie and Ricky being four years apart and Eddie leaving home when he was 16 to play hockey, they spent only a part of their childhoods together. In negotiations, sometimes you cant come to terms, and thats what happened here., The Hawks released a statement: For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to have legendary broadcaster Eddie Olczyk bring Chicago Blackhawks hockey into the homes of our fans. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. As a player, he was the winner of the Stanley Cup with the . Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. He would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. He will be deeply missed. From making the U.S. Olympic Team in 1984 to winning his battle with cancer over three decades later, its incredible how much hes accomplished over his life. On July 18, 2022, Olczyk left the Blackhawks following a contract dispute to join the broadcasting team for the Seattle Kraken. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. Plus the fact that he always went out of his way to praise his partner, The great Pat Foley.Shucks, nobody calls me, The great Gail Kauchak!. He played 16 seasons in the NHL, coached in the NHL and is now one of the game's most recognizable television commentators. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. On Oct. 15, 2012, Eddie Olczyk before the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2012 induction dinner in Dallas. His first name is "Eddie" and his last name is . "I've always tied it somehow. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . (Photo courtesty of NBC Sports) Eddie Olczyk played five seasons with the New York Rangers and was part of their Stanley Cup championship team in 1994. Currently, Rick is an assistant general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. I will also miss him always saying, Keep an eye on the goaltender if the Hawks or the opposing team were down by a goal with a couple of minutes left. His deal expired after last season. We both do it with [other brother] Randy as well.". He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. Olczyk has several connections to the Kraken. Eddie Olczyk Family. And so to be able to work with him, its extremely satisfying, gratifying. On July 11, 2012, Olczyk became the 16th Blackhawks player elected into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. Related: Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst. "At the end of the day it is always about money and terms. Nick Olczyk, Eddies son who appeared on TV and radio for the Hawks last season, also will not return, according to a source. Longtime analyst Eddie Olczyk will not return to the team. The Olczyk family name was found in the USA in 1920. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. In 1987, Olczyk was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs with Al Secord for Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas, and Bob McGill.[3]. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. [citation needed], Olczyk was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks as the third overall pick in the first round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Eddie Olczyk (fully Edward Walter Olczyk Jr.) is an American professional ice hockey analyst who also formerly played ice hockey as a center for NHL teams like Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, he will always be a Blackhawk and will forever be part of the Chicago family. Olczyk kept saying, It was time to step back. With his brother Ricky being the assistant general manager for the Kraken, Perhaps he just saw this new opportunity as a better way to go out than the slog that will probably be the Blackhawks for years to come. Their relationship has changed as adults. Im sure going back will feel a little different, but its home. He spent 16 years in the National Hockey League, playing for six teams, including the Penguins. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Thats just whatever. She did radio analysis, and she called a few games on TV. I do have to look over. His contract with the Blackhawks expired on June 30, and a team source said the leadership group was "blindsided" by Olczyk's decision to leave. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. But that had some major play in it.. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. Honestly, you could probably put Olczyk in any hockey TV booth around the league and hed be more than fine. The root cause of. He has one brother Rick Olczyk, who is also involved in the hockey profession. Eddie Olczyk. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. He was hired by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007 as director of hockey administration and legal affairs, and eventually was promoted to assistant general manager. Olczyk, who turns 51 on Aug. 16, had surgery last week, and Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said . Its not normal. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. When Eddie Olczyk left the Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth, there were reports that he would eventually land on his feet in Seattle. Would she thrive in a bigger role? He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. An avid enthusiast of thoroughbred horse racing, Eddie Olczyk also served as guest commentator at major horse racing events for NBC Sports. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Im frustrated that the Blackhawks could not get a deal done, and Im sad because of what the team will miss. That is what Im going to miss. But even before Olczyk officially hit the market in July, the Kraken reached out to the Blackhawks and asked permission to talk to him while he was still under contract. As much as he never expected to leave the Blackhawks, the Kraken presented a perfect option. The hockey tradition has also carried on with Eddie's three sons, who are all coaching and playing hockey. My favorite Edzo moment came back in March 2018, when the Blackhawks were playing the Vancouver Canucks. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley was forced out after last season, the team traded star winger Alex DeBrincat on draft day and now Olczyk is departing. Its come so much quicker than I thought.. [9] Tom, who played hockey at Penn State, most recently played professionally for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. "Once you're in, you're in," said Eddie, 49, who is an analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks and nationally for NBC. The family lived in Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Its certainly unique, Ricky said. Olczyk was pleased the Blackhawks replaced him with Murray and Patrick Sharp, two people he has known and respected for many years. My husband worked a lot of hours. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. 1 draft choice for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. After that, he became one of the best color commentators in the sport. Olczyk feels the same. [10] Olczyk's daughter Zandra attended the University of Alabama. People always ask me with the cancer whether I look at things differently now than I did before I was sick, Olczyk said. The Blackhawks seem to like their in-house options such as Caley Chelios and Colby Cohen, and while I think both did well last season, theyre still relatively young and dont have the same credibility or voice of authority that Olczyk brings. In the past two years, he also has covered Triple Crown and other major horse racing events for NBC. Last season, he got a chance to call his first NHL games for the Blackhawks and did many more than expected when Murray missed games while battling cancer. Neither would eleven, five, or even six. In 2009, Olczyk received an Emmy for "Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera: Programming," followed by a 2012 Emmy for "Outstanding Achievement for Sports Programs - Sporting Event/Game - Live/Unedited Program/Special." No one will know the real reasons the contract went into the paper shredder. Eddie Olczyk, Former NHL player, coach, and commentator It was not until August 4, 2017, that his life changed forever. He earned a law degree at Cornell, worked for the NHL Players' Association for two years, and spent time in Phoenix and Chicago at consulting and law firms. He eventually arrives at a restaurant. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. During the games first intermission, he announced he was cancer-free, and his openness during and after his battle never failed to amaze me. Geoff Baker covers hockey and is a sports enterprise and investigative reporter for The Seattle Times. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. Lightning, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer.
