A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks). Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. The hockey tradition has also carried on with Eddie's three sons, who are all coaching and playing hockey. He wouldn't rule out the possibility of maybe the Inside The NBA guys playing a part in some broadcasts. Well, now two different voices. As a fan, he made watching and listening to that much more of a treat as a result. Olczyk, cancer-free since March, has much to celebrate He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. He's a fighter to the core and is going to beat this. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. Its the first time hes been on the same team as his older brother, Eddie. In . CHICAGO (AP) Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. "It's neat," Ricky said. Exactly one year after his diagnosis, there was one goal remaining: Olczyk was to watch son Eddie Jr. get married Saturday. And so when I got sick, theres some peace with that.. Son of Olczyk grateful for support | NHL.com Kraken TV job also a chance to be closer to family for Eddie Olczyk Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. I want to make that perfectly clear this was my decision.". 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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. And its been hard with my mother. He also doesnt have to wait long to return to Chicago and the United Center. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. He also was the lead color commentator for NHL on NBC, and previously for the NHL on Versus; the latter later rebranded as NBCSN in 2012. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family." Olczyk, a Chicago native who was drafted by the Blackhawks third overall in 1984, has been . He hopes that with the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans he will be back in the broadcast booth soon. Book excerpt from Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life All Rights Reserved. Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. The weathers been unbelievable, Olczyk said. He understands Chicago fans, and he connected with them so well because of that. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. Hockey is a tie that binds for Eddie Olczyk and his family His brother, Ricky, was in the front office. 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. 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. In the past two years, he also has covered Triple Crown and other major horse racing events for NBC. Blackhawks Roundtable: Eddie Olczyk's Departure - The Hockey Writers Neither would eleven, five, or even six. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. Signals From The Deep - TopPodcast.com Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk Join Turner Sports' NHL In any case, we are obscure to the character of his folks. He has represented the organization as well as anyone could, through good times and bad. At the same time , Its strange, Nick Olczyk says later. You think of Kane and Toews on the ice and Pat and Eddie in the booth. The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. I think that's a perfect slogan if you can quote our family.". "They love what they're doing," Ed said of his sons. And Olczyk is still awaiting a finalized national broadcast schedule from TNT before he knows which ROOT games hell do. Contents: Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk Jr. is an American former professional hockey player and head coach from the United States. And so, it was fully wanting to ask their permission, and we just took our time.. Olczyk is the latest big name to leave the organization, which has been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. He did over 200 games in Indy and got an unbelievable opportunity when my former linemate, Troy, got sick. Diana O. was in the lead at one point and it looked like she could win. 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). Youre a proven star. So, its going to be fun.. Hell join the Krakens broadcast booth and continue as an analyst for TNT. 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Try a week on us. In a lot of ways, all this seems very normal. I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. Eddie Olczyk, a former hockey player turned color commenter, went to the hospital during the second intermission of the broadcast Saturday due to his health problem and is likely to be in his home or hospital tonight. 4.05. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Eddie Olczyk leaves Blackhawks broadcast, set to join Kraken - Yahoo! , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Would she thrive in a bigger role? Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. I worked with the kids and stuff. 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. Thats an exciting opportunity for him, but it hurts and he will be missed. Eddie Olczyk believes that should be great for the network and the league. Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. (/ o l t k /; born August 16, 1966) is an American former center in the National Hockey League for 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. He became, as Boyle put, "the soundtrack" to the Hawks' dynasty. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. 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. As time passed and Olczyk hadnt signed a new contract with the Blackhawks, there was the growing possibility he could become a free agent. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File . Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. A few years ago, I got his book Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, which is a fascinating read. Nick will live there permanently during the season, and Olczyk will take the smaller bedroom when hes in town. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on February 22, 2013. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. They were hoping Eddie would be a bridge to that newness. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. [2] He was a star on the Illinois midget AAA team (Team Illinois) that won the 1982 national title against a Detroit Compuware squad that featured future NHL stars Pat LaFontaine and Al Iafrate. He would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. 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. Theres negotiations, and we agreed to disagree, and everybody has moved on, he said. Im sure Sharpie will probably have it taped off and let me know theres a password to get in there.. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. I want to thank Eddie for his unsuffered commitment to this organization, even in the face of personal challenges, Wirtz said. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . He's expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season. 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 . Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. 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. Saying that tongue-in-cheek as I'm eating my heart out. He used to drive from Chicago to Indianapolis to make 50 bucks a game, Olczyk said. Foley retired after last season after his 39-year tenure as a play-by-play announcer, and less than three months later, fans have to say goodbye to another big part of their team in Olczyk. Thank you Eddie for all you have done for the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago, and best of luck on your newest adventure! Anytime you lose a family member, especially a parent, you need the one captain to take the bull by the horns, and Rickys done that. Nick Olczyk, Eddies son who appeared on TV and radio for the Hawks last season, also will not return, according to a source. Stanley Cup Final: Former NY Ranger Eddie Olczyk compares 1994 "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. Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. He eventually. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. Olczyk said details for the planned three-man setup remain in flux. 1 draft choice for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. Blackhawks 'Disappointed' With Eddie Olczyk's Departure in Statement Though I didnt necessarily think this meant Olczyk would leave the booth, Im not necessarily as shocked about this news as others. We don't take it for granted. The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement regarding Eddie Olczyk's decision to leave the team as their color broadcaster and join the Seattle Kraken. He expects to do about 45 Kraken games and probably another 50 NHL games, including the playoffs, with TNT. His younger brother, Ricky Olczyk, also fell in love with the game. Share. Clearly, the Blackhawks are taking the concept of a rebuild to a whole new level. Am I working with Kenny (Albert), or Johnny (Forslund) or Jonesy (Keith Jones) or J.T.? I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. 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. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Yet the Hawks paved the way for both of their exits, skewing younger and more social-media-savvy. On July 18, it was announced that beloved Chicago Blackhawks broadcaster Eddie Olczyk would leave the organization after serving 16 years as a color commentator for the team, and will join the Seattle Krakens broadcast. Olczyks son spent four seasons as a radio analyst on ECHL Indy Fuel broadcasts. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This Was My Decision' - NBC Chicago Related: Olczyk Embodies Passion for Life, Hockey. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to tell him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. With that said, the fact that Eddie has found his way to being part of the overall teardown just seems all too fitting at this point. Over the past year, its been obvious the Blackhawks are trying to get younger in nearly all aspects of their organization, including the broadcast. NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Toward the end of this weeks interview, Olczyks son emerged from the Krakens offices to get his dad for a scheduled broadcast meeting. 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. On July 11, 2012, Olczyk became the 16th Blackhawks player elected into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. 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.. It wasnt a secret he was due a new deal in the summer. On Oct. 15, 2012, Eddie Olczyk before the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2012 induction dinner in Dallas. The Olczyk family didnt have it easy when Eddie played in the NHL. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. In the 1989-90 season, Olczyk recorded an 18 game point streak, setting the record for longest point streak by an American player. That didn't stop him from continuing to pursue a hockey career, and Ricky made his own way to the NHL through the front office. Olczyk, now a sportscaster for NHL and NBC, takes readers through his life and career with insights from coaches, teammates, and family members (after being traded . 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 . The boys have a lot of those traits. Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. Eddie Olczyk is a big man. Im still trying my hardest to get up to speed with Chris Vosters. "I guess I'm not, knowing the family and their background," Francis said. Everything else is a bit of an adjustment. Albert and Olczyk joined TNT after the Finals as their lead broadcast team (erstwhile NBC studio analyst Keith Jones was later added to join the pair).[7]. We admire you, and were lucky to have you as part of our extended family.. Olczyk stated, Negotiations are hard. [1], Olczyk grew up in Niles, Illinois and Palos Heights, Illinois and went to Brother Rice Catholic High School. In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. As the MC of the Blackhawks town-hall event Feb. 2, Hawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk introduced the panel of team executives chairman Rocky Wirtz, CEO Danny Wirtz and president of business operations Jaime Faulkner. 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. No one will know the real reasons the contract went into the paper shredder. In Seattle, Olczyk will be reunited with occasional TNT platform mate John Forslund on ROOT Sports Northwest and younger brother Rick Olczyk, an assistant GM of the Kraken. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will,". Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. He played the last two seasons of his career in Chicago. Eddie Olczyk Salary and Net Worth "Our lives are hockey," Nick said. Currently, Rick is an assistant general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. Longtime analyst Eddie Olczyk will not return to the team. When I knew I wasnt going to be back, and the Seattle thing finally came to fruition, to see the schedule, I went, OK, I dont have to wait very long to come back, Olczyk said. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. Still, he continued to negotiate with the Blackhawks and only decided later to turn down their offer and agree to a deal with the Kraken. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair - Arizona Sports Despite adding marquee free-agents, the Penguins started the season with a disappointing 8176 record, leading to Olczyk's dismissal on December 15.[5]. We went to the bank and borrowed $675 and signed a promissory note so he could go on a hockey trip. So, Ive always admired that. The Hawks offered him one, but Olczyk decided it was time for him to leave. Theres great disappointment, but this was my decision. Eddie Olczyk Family. Eddie Olczyk has a high-flying career literally. His son Nick discussed a TV studio analyst role with the Kraken and signed with the organization before his father did. He is a class act. The family shared Eddie's hockey journey, turning out-of-state hockey tournaments into vacations. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Olczyk has several connections to the Kraken. Diana Olczyk and Eddie Olczyk are the parents of 4 children Eddie Olczyk is happily married to Diana Olczyk.. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldn't reach an agreement with management on a new contract. But that had some major play in it.. 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. He worked on the coaching staff of Niagara Universitys hockey team and is currently a coach at Bemidji State University, UMass. For someone whos done so much not just for the Blackhawks but the Chicago community, it seems like the organization totally misread the room. Eddie Olczyk: Son| illness| Where is tonight| Is sick| Health Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. I'm just proud as heck.". Not solely because of the Olczyk news, but more so because of all that led up to it. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. The Olczyk family name was found in the USA in 1920. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. Yes, I do. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. He didnt elaborate on theirlove. The success the Olczyk family has had in the sport can largely be credited to the sacrifices Diana and her husband, Ed, made early in Eddie's career. No matter where they lived, the boys didnt let go of their hockey dreams. When Nick had expressed an interest in broadcasting after his college career, Olczyk encouraged him to seek opportunities anywhere he could. He served as a television color commentator for NHL on NBC until its end in 2021 and currently commentates on TNT and Seattle Kraken games on Root Sports Northwest. "I wasn't able to go to the engagement party (on Aug. 6, 2017). But it was not meant to be. Born as Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk on 16 August 1966, Ed is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Ill leave it at that. The weather has even surprised him. And it all came to an end. That rumor has become a reality. "How ironic," Olczyk said . My point is that Olczyk is a man of heart and a man who cares about the game of hockey and anybody else who happens to care about hockey. His deal expired after last season. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. Eddie Olczyk has been the Blackhawks TV analyst since 2006. 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. Through their ups and downs, he was the voice of reason for Chicago and was one of the teams biggest ambassadors. Its not what we knew. Personal life [ edit] Born in Glenview, Illinois in 1954, [1] Pat Foley is the son of Mary and Bob Foley. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. Everyone's schedule had to be in sync to get to practices on time. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. Hell join the Krakens booth next season. Whether it was from Winnipeg to Los Angeles or Pittsburgh back to Chicago, there was Diana Olczyk with four kids, carrying three hockey bags, occasionally a diaper bag and tying a lot of skates. Their parents have enjoyed watching the relationship evolve and witnessing how each son arrived at his goal of the NHL in his own way. Honestly, you could probably put Olczyk in any hockey TV booth around the league and hed be more than fine. Nick played for the Colorado College Tigers and, in 2022, became a television studio analyst for the Seattle Kraken. His son Eddie was a Kraken amateur scout. But if youre Olczyk, do you really want to do that?Just like with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Eddie Olczyk owns decision to leave Blackhawks, but he didn't arrive at Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Jim Bay Former New York Ranger and NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk. 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. Eddie Olczyk joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast team as a television analyst Thursday. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. Hes focused on the present. 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. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. Its tough to say. "[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]. I really have a lot of respect for what theyre doing and how theyre going about it. He also uses those flights to catch up on whats going on around the league or in horse racing, which he still broadcasts for NBC. This is what I will remember about Eddie O. 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. 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. Nicks hiring by the Kraken did help make Olczyks decision easier. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Eddie Olczyk. Hed thought about it plenty while mourning with his younger brother, Ricky, a Kraken assistant general manager, and the rest of his close-knit family in their Chicago hometown, where onetime NHL center Olczyk spent years as a Blackhawks player and 15 more as a broadcaster working their games.
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