Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. And it all began with that little yellow pamphlet. 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. I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. We . Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Jim Bay Former New York Ranger and NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk. That he was a former draft pick made it that much more special to witness. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . Im still trying my hardest to get up to speed with Chris Vosters. Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. 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He truly became the face of the franchise with Foley, and they are what made people feel at home when watching games. He has one brother Rick Olczyk, who is also involved in the hockey profession. He has also written for the Daily Herald and the Chicago Sun-Times and has been a sportswriter in the Chicagoland area for the past 15 years. His deal expired after last season. Olczyk is Chicago, just like Foley. No. My dad is the strongest person I know. Everything else is a bit of an adjustment. Yes, I do. But I am also happy for him as he has a lot of family connections in Seattle. As a fan, he made watching and listening to that much more of a treat as a result. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. Editorial Reviews. But I dont see that happening for a long time. 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. His son Nick discussed a TV studio analyst role with the Kraken and signed with the organization before his father did. Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) August 11, 2022 Playing Career Back on June 9, 1984 the Chicago Blackhawks selected 20 year old Chicago native Eddie Olczyk third overall. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. The Olczyks had been more of a football and baseball family to that point, but 6-year-old Eddie wanted to give skating a try. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Eddie Olczyk told the Sun-Times on Monday. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. You think of Kane and Toews on the ice and Pat and Eddie in the booth. He joined the Hurricanes as assistant general manager in June 2014. The first door he tries is locked, so he heads to a second, and that one opens for him. 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.. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to. 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. Later tied by Phil Kessel, the record would stand until being passed by Patrick Kane in 2015-16 season. He has represented the organization as well as anyone could, through good times and bad. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. Ricky also happens to be a Kraken assistant general manager. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. On Buzzlearn.com, Eddie is listed as a successful Hockey Player who was born in the year of 1966. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. I do have to look over. Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. 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. Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. Their youngest son, Nick, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and plays for Colorado College. Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. Along with being a longtime color commentator for the NHL . "Again, his love for hockey and his passion, and my love and passion for hockey is a common bond. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. ( 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. But, with the attention surrounding the story, he couldn't help but clear the air. Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. He didnt elaborate on theirlove story, but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. He's expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season. The family lived in Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. Hes close friends with Kraken general manager Ron Francis. Eddie Olczyk is a big man. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Eddie Olczyk's son Nick, who has been one of the radio color analyst fill-ins for Troy Murray this season, made his television debut that night and anybody watching and listening could notice the . This is my decision. But although that scare made him want to fight for the things he already appreciated, the death last summer of Olczyks mother, Diana, reminded him there was still more hed like to do. Their relationship has changed as adults. It will be a growing season within the booth next year for sure. Olczyk, who turns 51 on Aug. 16, had surgery last week, and Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said . 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 . 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." NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. He called the Blackhawks' games through a historic run of championship hockey. The Hawks offered him one, but Olczyk decided it was time for him to leave. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023. The Family Man. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. Look, I never thought Id leave home. 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Someone is seated inside the otherwise-empty restaurant, and Olczyk explains hes going into the other room to be interviewed. A few years ago, I got his book Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, which is a fascinating read. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. "For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to have legendary broadcaster Eddie Olczyk bring Chicago Blackhawks hockey into the homes of our fans. The couple now owns four thoroughbred horses and hes also a big advocate of the safety of the animals. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. I'm proud as heck. He also did interim Blackhawks radio work last season after their analyst, Troy Murray, was diagnosed with cancer. It was five years ago last month that Olczyk announced he was stepping away from NBC work to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. On April 8, 2010, Olczyk returned to Pittsburgh to join more than 50 former Pittsburgh Penguins players being honored in a pregame ceremony before the final regular season game at Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. Eddie Olczyk was ready to give up. For me, what it did was it reassured me that I was in a pretty good place before I was sick. Olczyk is the latest big name to leave the organization, which has been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. They could have offered him more money or a longer contract. Well. We're able to talk about anything and everything. "Once you're in, you're in," said Eddie, 49, who is an analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks and nationally for NBC. But it was not meant to be. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. Throughout his life he transitioned his focus to many different career paths but after he was diagnosed with cancer his priorities shifted. Thanks so much for this great birthday video . He shares the same sentiment about his departure. Not because its not possible, but more so because the void that Foley and Olczyk leave will be extremely difficult to fill. But at the same time, I think its exciting to be a part of something new.. He became, as Boyle put, "the soundtrack" to the Hawks' dynasty. Former NHL forward and coach Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Its not normal. Lets face it; he was the voice of the Blackhawks for the last 16 years. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Ultimately, fans will have a favourite or two by the seasons end, but I think it may still take a few years before anyone has the type of following that Foley and Olczyk were able to accumulate. "I guess I'm not, knowing the family and their background," Francis said. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldn't reach an agreement with management on a new contract. 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!. I'm very fortunate to have that relationship with him. 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. Olczyk said details for the planned three-man setup remain in flux. Pat Foley (born 1954) is an American retired play-by-play commentator for ice hockey . Honestly, I shouldnt say, but its only rained one day in like the 30 Ive been here so far. He also currently serves as the Horse Racing Handicapper and Analyst for NBC's Horse Racing Coverage. Short Bio. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. Eddie Olczyk (right) and Pat Foley are calling Blackhawks playoff games together but apart. Of all the NHL transactions this offseason, one of the most unexpected was Olczyk leaving his hometown team and the Blackhawks broadcast after 16 seasons to join the Kraken. His own brush with mortality isnt something new Kraken television voice Eddie Olczyk takes lightly; a well-chronicled bout with Stage 3 colon cancer not too long ago he wasnt certain hed survive. him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. Id like to say that Im shocked, but numb might be a more fitting word to use at this point. [1] Career [ edit] I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. I want to make that perfectly clear this was my decision.". It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. They may not know what an icing is, or a specific slang in hockey. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. The Sutter family, theyve been able to work together. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . . Some will do it better than others and an imbalance in air time will ensue. 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. After signing as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings in 1996, he would not finish the season with them before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Glen Murray. The Blackhawks granted that permission, which Olczyk said surprised him. The family shared Eddie's hockey journey, turning out-of-state hockey tournaments into vacations. Nothing is said in exchange, and he carries on. Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. As time passed and Olczyk hadnt signed a new contract with the Blackhawks, there was the growing possibility he could become a free agent. The same thinking could be applied to any of their offseason departures, in that it feels like the Blackhawks failed to do much of anything when it came to finding a way to keep fan favourites around. Against all odds, he played on But, now he's moving on. Despite adding marquee free-agents, the Penguins started the season with a disappointing 8176 record, leading to Olczyk's dismissal on December 15.[5]. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. Olczyks son spent four seasons as a radio analyst on ECHL Indy Fuel broadcasts. Olczyk stated, Negotiations are hard. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. Honestly, you could probably put Olczyk in any hockey TV booth around the league and hed be more than fine. 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. 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. I mean that's just the reality of the world we live in. 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. Having walked in that building for 16 straight years, under some real emotional time, not only franchise-wise but also personally, spent a lot of my life there, so Im sure the time to reminisce and be able to really kind of sit back. Lightning, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. 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. "We were simple people. The boys have a lot of those traits. But Tommy, an accounting major with a 3.7 GPA, is the brains ofthe family and they agree he gets it from their mom. 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. Share. 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. Beginning with the 200607 NHL season, Olczyk was the color commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks television broadcasts, partnering play-by-play announcer Pat Foley. Honestly, more disappointed than surprised. Its tough to say. He scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game on October 11, 1984, versus the Detroit Red Wings in Chicago Stadium against Greg Stefan. Secure payments & money back guarantee. 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. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. How could he? My mom would take my dad's car to go home to go south. 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.