CHICAGO Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. 1 min read. Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis has known the Olczyk family for years. Olczyk was also the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to December 2005. She made quite a name for herself as a player wife and mother. 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. 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. [10] Olczyk's daughter Zandra attended the University of Alabama. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. The 18 game streak would remain a Toronto franchise record (tied with Darryl Sittler until being surpassed in December 2022 by Mitch Marner. Eddie Olczyk is a big man. I'm just proud as heck.". It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Rozner: Family, friends helping Blackhawks great Eddie Olczyk in his On Buzzlearn.com, Eddie is listed as a successful Hockey Player who was born in the year of 1966. Add local institution Eddie Olczyk to the list. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. Ill walk in there as I always have and be proud of what Ive been able to do for the franchise over all these years. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Nick Olczyk, Eddies son who appeared on TV and radio for the Hawks last season, also will not return, according to a source. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. Itll be great to be back home and Im sure it will be emotional for me on the inside, for sure. "I had a great meeting earlier today with Rocky Wirtz and had a great meeting with Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. But before the horse made it to the finish line, she suffered an injury. The root cause of. And with their family, was always Diana. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments, 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey, National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame, List of NHL players with 1,000 games played, "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA", "New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils Box Score May 25, 1994", "Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk Join Turner Sports' NHL Coverage Team", "Source: Olczyk moving on from Hawks as color analyst", "Alison Lukan & Nick Olczyk to join Kraken broadcast team this season", "Blackhawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk bolts for Seattle Kraken after Hawks talks break down", "Seattle NHL expansion team hires Ricky Olczyk as assistant GM", "Amazing news: Eddie Olczyk is cancer-free", "Eddie Olczyk talks new book 'Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life', Ed Olczyk's profile at hockeydraftcentral.com, Chicago Black Hawks first round draft pick, History of the NHL on United States television, NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition, United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing on television, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eddie_Olczyk&oldid=1142330530, Ice hockey players at the 1984 Winter Olympics, National Hockey League first-round draft picks, Olympic ice hockey players of the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from May 2021, All articles needing additional references, Pages using infobox ice hockey biography with unknown parameters, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Biographical information and career statistics from, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 20:28. 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." My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". The broadcasting part of it, you know, just get into the booth, throw the headset on and wherever you are, Olczyk said. Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair - Arizona Sports Fallout 4 Now Supports Nvidia, AMD, and Intel Upscaling Thanks to a Mod Olczyk took the high road by owning the decision to leave, but he didnt arrive at it alone. Their sons, Nick, Tommy and Eddie III followed their fathers footsteps. Their parents have enjoyed watching the relationship evolve and witnessing how each son arrived at his goal of the NHL in his own way. Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. But lets face it, the Blackhawks are trying to start anew. Eddie Olczyk, Former NHL player, coach, and commentator It was not until August 4, 2017, that his life changed forever. The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement regarding Eddie Olczyk's decision to leave the team as their color broadcaster and join the Seattle Kraken. As much as he never expected to leave the Blackhawks, the Kraken presented a perfect option. At the same time , Its strange, Nick Olczyk says later. As a fan, he made watching and listening to that much more of a treat as a result. "[14], In October 2019, Olczyk released his autobiography, Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, in which he shares details of his fight with stage 3 colon cancer.[15]. Not because its not possible, but more so because the void that Foley and Olczyk leave will be extremely difficult to fill. Eddie Olczyk leaving Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth, expected to On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. The Hawks and Olczyk reached a verbal agreement to create another contract before then. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, he was the most skilled of the "Clydesdales," playing on a line with Troy Murray and Curt Fraser early in his Blackhawks career. I never thought, to be completely honest, Id get 35 games last year, let alone one. Between working as an analyst for NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks, and NHL on Versus as well as a few other broadcasts, he accumulated many frequent flier miles! His amateur career started from the early age but his professional career started only from 1984 when he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This was my decision' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. I'm proud as heck. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. So, Ive always admired that. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. Hes still commuting between coasts, keeping an Eastside residence for when hes working here. Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life by Eddie Olczyk, Perry Lefko He then moved to Canada to play for the Stratford Cullitons junior team before joining the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team. 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. He'll be back on his feet, in the booth, and at the track in no time. I worked with the kids and stuff. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? Jim O'Donnell: Olczyk sends unmistakable message to the Blackhawks with Despite his arrival at Turner for hockey, Olczyks deal will allow him to remain at NBC to cover handicap horse racing. He also doesnt have to wait long to return to Chicago and the United Center. Eddie Olczyk's Son Nick Tags in for Dad on Blackhawks TV Broadcast And Im happy for the organization, obviously, on a professional level, but on a personal level, Im just ecstatic and over the moon.. NHL trade tracker: Latest deals and grades, NHL trade grades: Sabres smartly buy low on Greenway, NHL trade deadline 2023: Fantasy hockey live reaction, Flyers GM: Red Wings nixed van Riemsdyk trade, Avs' Makar OK'd to return 2nd time from protocol, Wild acquire defenseman Klingberg from Ducks, Sabres add size up front, get Greenway from Wild, Penguins acquire defenseman Kulikov from Ducks, Sources: No discipline for Watson hit on Motte, Surging Bruins fastest to 100 pts. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. Ricky had a few small professional hockey opportunities out of college, but decided against them. Contents: Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk Jr. is an American former professional hockey player and head coach from the United States. Nick offered to do color commentary for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and would drive from Chicago to Indianapolis to call games beginning in the 2019-20 season. Where Is Bryan Penn-Johnson from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? "Hockey has always been a part of my fabric in every academic endeavor I've done," said Ricky, 45, who was recently named to the management staff for Team Europe's entry in the World Cup of Hockey. My heart breaks for his family, former colleagues and every player who was lucky enough to call him their coach. He expects to do about 45 Kraken games and probably another 50 NHL games, including the playoffs, with TNT. Eddie Olczyk believes that should be great for the network and the league. Eddie Olczyk Son Two of his children are currently playing hockey. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. There is something fun about being a pioneer, Leiweke said. Theres negotiations, and we agreed to disagree, and everybody has moved on, he said. At present, Rick is a colleague general administrator of the . "Both my boys and my brother, and (general manager) Ronnie Francis, we. Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair. "We have a plaque, actually, in our house right when you walk in the foyer that says, 'We interrupt this family for hockey.' Sign up for our regular 'Blackhawks Newsletter' for all the latest. in NHL history, Rangers, Bruins, other Beasts of the East feast on NHL trade deadline, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? He was traded again in 1990 to the Winnipeg Jets, with Mark Osborne for Dave Ellett and Paul Fenton. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. 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. NHL -- Eddie Olczyk and his familiy are living and loving the hockey life They're just good people and hardworking. Wed never played together, never worked on a team together because of the age and stuff. ( Full Record) Pronunciation: \ OHL-chuk \ 1x Cup Winner 16 16 16 16 12 16 7 27 16 Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. It seems like the Blackhawks stiffed him in that sense, and if thats the case, then thats disheartening knowing they didnt step up to the plate. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. Tommy Olczyk, the face of Penn State hockey 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. But, with the attention surrounding the story, he couldn't help but clear the air. This [I] know.". All Rights Reserved. The Hawks and Olczyk had been talking for weeks about a potential contract, but the team essentially let him test free agency. All rights reserved, Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This was my decision', They couldn't come to terms on a new contract, Indiana State Trooper Struck and Killed by Suspect During Police Chase, Chicago FOP Lodge Reelects John Catanzara as President, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Chicago Suburb Lands on List of Happiest Places to Live,' Another Midwest City Makes Top 10, Chicago-Area Counties Under Winter Storm Advisories and Warnings, Actor Tom Sizemore, of Saving Private Ryan,' Dies at 61. Diana Olczyk: 4 Facts to Know about Eddie Olczyk's Wife - Earn The Necklace EDDIE OLCZYK - NBC Sports PressboxNBC Sports Pressbox The couple is blessed with four children namely Nick Olczyk, Zandra Olczyk, Tom Olczyk, and Eddie Olczyk.. All of his sons are involved in hockey as Nick and Tom are currently playing professional hockey and Eddie is a former player who currently is an assistant coach for Niagara . Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Hes taken in some of the scenery and gotten to know the area. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. Eddie Olczyk was born on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Short Bio. 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. "For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Nicks hiring by the Kraken did help make Olczyks decision easier. Eddie Olczyk has been the Blackhawks TV analyst since 2006. I never dreamed hed make it to the NHL this fast, and it was an unfortunate circumstance. Eddie Olczyk wiki, affair, married, Gay with age, height Just the timing is what it is, and you have to make those decisions. Eddie III spent a season with the Bloomington Thunder of the SPHL, has been an assistant coach with the Bemidji State Beavers, and is an amateur scout for the Kraken. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. Once the time came, the longtime broadcaster initiated meetings with Rocky and Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. Itll always be home. We're able to talk about anything and everything. Eddie Olczyk Salary and Net Worth His travel is longer. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Olczyk wont return to the Hawks next season, another domino that has fallen in a lengthy row as the franchise stretches its teardown all the way to the beloved broadcast booth. Eddie Olczyk leaving Blackhawks, will join Kraken's broadcast team 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.. His adoration for the organization was obvious and it oozed out in the best of ways. 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).. 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. 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. Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk Join Turner Sports' NHL After beating cancer, Eddie Olczyk continues the fight - USA TODAY Also, given Vosters is still relatively new, I strongly believe it would be in the teams best interests to find a well-known, respected veteran to pair with him, even if its as simple as moving Troy Murray from the radio broadcast. Eddie Olczyk discusses surviving colon cancer, return to booth - Sports Blackhawks Roundtable: Eddie Olczyk's Departure - The Hockey Writers He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. Eddie's youngest son, Nick, 19, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and will play at Colorado College beginning next season. His deal expired after last season. But that had some major play in it.. Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. If thats the case, do you blame him? The weather has even surprised him. Eddie Olczyk serves as a handicapper and analyst for NBC Sports' Triple Crown horse racing coverage. The Blackhawks granted that permission, which Olczyk said surprised him. 4.05. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. To be around Ricky is big, because I dont always get the chance, Olczyk said of his brother, who was a team captain at Brown University and used his law degree to break into the NHL, serving as an AGM in Edmonton and Carolina. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. 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. Twenty is a nice round number. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. According to Diana, Tommy gave as much as attention to books as pucks from middle school, throughout high school and carried a 4.0 GPA to Penn State. I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. Wed just lost our mom and it was always something Ricky and I had kind of talked about, Olczyk, a 16-year NHL veteran and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer, said over coffee this week at the Kraken Community Iceplex during a brief stopover in Seattle. He often traveled for NHL games and his work still leads him to travel across the country. Eddie Olczyk Apr 11 2021 Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. The facts are simple. Beginning with the 200607 NHL season, Olczyk was the color commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks television broadcasts, partnering play-by-play announcer Pat Foley. It will be a growing season within the booth next year for sure. Eddie Olczyk has a high-flying career literally. Yet the Hawks paved the way for both of their exits, skewing younger and more social-media-savvy. Eddie, we look up words like courage, grace, professionalism, family man; your picture shows up all over them. Olczyk feels the same. The 55-year-old spent the past 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks as their TV color . Like the Blackhawks who seemed to always put competing at the forefront, Eddie led with passion in all he did for the franchise. Now, I completely respect Olczyks decision to step aside, especially if the two sides were not willing to come to an agreement. Their youngest son, Nick, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and plays for Colorado College. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. Honestly, more disappointed than surprised. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. Eddie Olczyk Wife He married a beutiful woman called Diana Olczyk. Olczyk has known Brown since Brown was a teenager, and theyve quickly developed an on-air rapport with Olczyk in the booth and Brown at ice level. Between working as an analyst for NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks, and. If it was me, I would give her a shot. "I remember times when my mom would drive me in the car with my gear," Eddie said. [12], On August 8, 2017, Olczyk issued a statement through the Blackhawks to announce that he had been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer. The Olczyk family didnt have it easy when Eddie played in the NHL. I don't know why we're so deserving of these fortunes. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Former NHL forward and coach Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Eddie Olczyk told the Sun-Times on Monday. Perhaps it didnt really matter what the Blackhawks threw his way, as he may have been waiting for the perfect excuse to find his way out of town anyway. As though the Blackhawks were giving onlookers much to be optimistic about in the first place, their ability to find the right fit in this regard that quickly seems farfetched at best. Scott Powers is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Blackhawks. [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. 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. I had one goal. He eventually arrives at a restaurant. "At the end of the day it is always about money and terms. Enter Search Term. The 1984 draft class saw legends like Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, and Brett Hull all join the NHL. At the end of the 53 U.S. win over Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Olczyk described the game as being "tremendously tremendous" after U.S. forward Ryan Kesler scored an empty-netter. 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 . But I dont see that happening for a long time. "The hockey world is something we wouldn't trade for anything, and the positivity and encouraging messages that have come our way during this unexpected and difficult time has truly been incredible. On Oct. 15, 2012, Eddie Olczyk before the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2012 induction dinner in Dallas. , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. I want to make that perfectly clear this was my decision.". Its the first time hes been on the same team as his older brother, Eddie. Nick will live there permanently during the season, and Olczyk will take the smaller bedroom when hes in town. He is a class act. Eight months and one day after his final chemotherapy session was finished, Eddie Olczyk stood on a platform stage Monday night, flanked by banner-sized portraits of Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe..