Share. Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. For me, what it did was it reassured me that I was in a pretty good place before I was sick. He used to drive from Chicago to Indianapolis to make 50 bucks a game, Olczyk said. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you. The Blackhawks teardown includes the TV booth. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? "I think we've gotten closer," Ricky said. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Throughout his career as an NHL player, he played 1,031 NHL games and produced 342 goals and 452 assists for a total of 794 points. He played the last two seasons of his career in Chicago. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. In the 1989-90 season, Olczyk recorded an 18 game point streak, setting the record for longest point streak by an American player. Hell join the Krakens broadcast booth and continue as an analyst for TNT. He eventually. Lets face it; he was the voice of the Blackhawks for the last 16 years. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Their parents have enjoyed watching the relationship evolve and witnessing how each son arrived at his goal of the NHL in his own way. And its OK to get that in there. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Currently, Rick is an assistant general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. The couple has four children namely Nick, Tom, Rick, and a daughter called Zandra. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. The audio of Olczyk saying "This has been tremendously tremendous" was an instant hit among hockey enthusiasts and was the subject of many spoofs online. He didnt elaborate on theirlove. The Blackhawks honored "Edzo" for his induction in a pregame ceremony on February 22, 2013, at the United Center. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. For someone whos done so much not just for the Blackhawks but the Chicago community, it seems like the organization totally misread the room. My favorite Edzo moment came back in March 2018, when the Blackhawks were playing the Vancouver Canucks. I don't know why we're so deserving of these fortunes. During the games first intermission, he announced he was cancer-free, and his openness during and after his battle never failed to amaze me. The credibility that Olczyk brought to his role was second to none. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . Eddie Olczyk serves as a handicapper and analyst for NBC Sports' Triple Crown horse racing coverage. No one will know the real reasons the contract went into the paper shredder. And Olczyk is still awaiting a finalized national broadcast schedule from TNT before he knows which ROOT games hell do. At the same time , Its strange, Nick Olczyk says later. Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File . We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. Sign up for our regular 'Blackhawks Newsletter' for all the latest. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. Its not what we knew. 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. as well as a few other broadcasts, he accumulated many frequent flier miles! Well, now two different voices. To us, family is everything.". The 55-year-old spent the past 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks as their TV color . He did over 200 games in Indy and got an unbelievable opportunity when my former linemate, Troy, got sick. I'm just proud as heck.". Olczyk explained he tried to keep a "low profile" during the day. Nick will live there permanently during the season, and Olczyk will take the smaller bedroom when hes in town. Hes still commuting between coasts, keeping an Eastside residence for when hes working here. During the next season, he was traded back to the Winnipeg Jets for their fifth-round choice (who ended up being Alexei Vasiliev) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. If it was me, I would give her a shot. But it was not meant to be. 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). 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. 1 min read Blackhawks 'disappointed' with Eddie Olczyk's departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement. But Danny and Jaime had come out this year, and we spent time with them. Exactly one year after his diagnosis, there was one goal remaining: Olczyk was to watch son Eddie Jr. get married Saturday. This is my decision. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. As a youth, Olczyk played in the 1978 and 1979 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Chicago. 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. The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. "For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to have legendary broadcaster Eddie Olczyk bring Chicago Blackhawks hockey into the homes of our fans. This [I] know.". The root cause of. He was traded several times during his career. 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. They're just good people and hardworking. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. They showed an extreme interest in wanting me, or at least exploring the opportunity, Olczyk said of the Kraken. Former Husky QB Jake Haener thinks he'll 'stack up with some of the top guys' at NFL combine, Smoothies and scavenger hunts: How UW's nutrition team fuels Husky football, Pac-12 men's basketball hot seats: Odds that UW's Mike Hopkins, others are gone after season, Hardwood Classic: Recaps and results from 2023 Washington state basketball tournament. "This will always be my home," Olczyk said. Chelios, well, I was impressed with ALL her commentary last season, of which she was trialed in all aspects. 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. His adoration for the organization was obvious and it oozed out in the best of ways. He's expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. 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. Eddie Olczyk believes that should be great for the network and the league. When Nick had expressed an interest in broadcasting after his college career, Olczyk encouraged him to seek opportunities anywhere he could. 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. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. 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. The boys have a lot of those traits. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Youre a proven star. Eddie Olczyk Son Two of his children are currently playing hockey. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. Tommy is a nationally ranked senior forward for Penn State. The NFL pro-turned-sports-analysts life revolves around hockey and Eddie Olczyks wife is also a fan of the sport. Olczyk stated, Negotiations are hard. 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. Blackhawks fans: what will you miss the most? 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. In 1987, Olczyk was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs with Al Secord for Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas, and Bob McGill.[3]. (from Eddie Olczyk leaving Blackhawks, will join Krakens broadcast team, The AthleticNHL, 07/18/2022) Sharp indicated in the past he wasnt sure if he would want to deal with live color broadcasting. Reviews. Reviews. 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. I think both sides certainly expected to get a contract done. That was hard to hear because it seemed like all the Blackhawks had to do was give him what he wanted. 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. And its been hard with my mother. Despite his arrival at Turner for hockey, Olczyks deal will allow him to remain at NBC to cover handicap horse racing. But the Kraken really liked what they saw and felt he could be their Swiss Army knife, so to speak.. The 1984 draft class saw legends like Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, and Brett Hull all join the NHL. 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. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. Seated a row behind him is his youngest son, Nick Olczyk, who is preparing for the nights TV broadcast. But at the same time, I think its exciting to be a part of something new.. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. I really have a lot of respect for what theyre doing and how theyre going about it. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. Im envious of his new colleagues in Seattle and all the people he will influence and mentor there, just like he did in Chicago. Midway through a radio broadcast last January, Nick made an emergency TV debut filling in for his dad, who was taken to a hospital with what turned out to be a minor illness. (Scott Powers / The Athletic). So, its going to be fun.. He didnt elaborate on theirlove story, but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Olczyk was also the lead color commentator for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey, where he partnered with Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Pierre McGuire. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. [8], Olczyk and his wife, Diana, have three sons, all former hockey players, and one daughter. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. "I had a great meeting earlier today with Rocky Wirtz and had a great meeting with Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. 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. Ill leave it at that. Eddie also leads hockey analyst for NHL on NBC and, The Chicago Blackhawks. Eddie Olczyk released a statement sayinghe wasdiagnosed with colon cancer. Honestly, I shouldnt say, but its only rained one day in like the 30 Ive been here so far. Hell join the Krakens booth next season. All Rights Reserved. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. For a working-class family, that wasn't always easy. Eddie Olczyk. [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. Good, high-quality broadcasters matter, and with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews being the exception, this feels tougher than losing any player. Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. He's a fighter to the core and is going to beat this. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. It will be a growing season within the booth next year for sure. On Buzzlearn.com, Eddie is listed as a successful Hockey Player who was born in the year of 1966. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. "They love what they're doing," Ed said of his sons. The Blackhawks are undergoing a true rebuild, and Olczyk would have been a credible voice for the fans. Id like to say that Im shocked, but numb might be a more fitting word to use at this point. The facts are simple. 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. But he drew one, too and it leads to Seattle. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. 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 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. Personal life [ edit] Born in Glenview, Illinois in 1954, [1] Pat Foley is the son of Mary and Bob Foley. 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 oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. That rumor has become a reality. Eddie Olczyk Wife He married a beutiful woman called Diana Olczyk. A third brother, Randy, 44, works at Chicagoland Commercial, an area real estate company. 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. But like I said, the situation dictated itself, and the offer was too good to refuse, and I get an opportunity to work with my family. Over the past year, its been obvious the Blackhawks are trying to get younger in nearly all aspects of their organization, including the broadcast. "I kid them every so often, 'You guys never had a real job.' Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. My husband worked a lot of hours. Eddie Olczyk was ready to give up. 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. He wanted theopportunity to join the winners circle with Diana O. one day. His brother, Ricky, was in the front office. On May 5, 2014, EA Sports announced that "Eddie O" will provide color commentary for NHL 15 alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Ray Ferraro. Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. The 18 game streak would remain a Toronto franchise record (tied with Darryl Sittler until being surpassed in December 2022 by Mitch Marner. Olczyk, who turns 51 on Aug. 16, had surgery last week, and Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said . 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. Olczyk was also the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to . Though I didnt necessarily think this meant Olczyk would leave the booth, Im not necessarily as shocked about this news as others. By: Caroline John - Published: August 9, 2017 at 10:20 am, Photo: Ronald Martinez / Staff/ Getty Images. Between working as an analyst for NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks, and. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. He would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. Olczyks son spent four seasons as a radio analyst on ECHL Indy Fuel broadcasts. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. Their sons, Nick, Tommy and Eddie III followed their fathers footsteps. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. next general manager on Blackhawks Banter,, Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst, reported he left the organization as well, 2023 NHL Trade Deadline Tracker Live Updates, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, NHL Rumors: Bruins, Coyotes, Senators, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Blackhawks Bytes Deadline Edition: Johnson, Lafferty, Kane, Domi, Grading the Wilds Trade for John Klingberg, Flames Acquire Stecher & Ritchie in Uneventful Deadline, NHL Trade Deadline Minor Moves: Hunt, Asplund, Brown & More, Deadline Moves Oilers Didnt Make Will Lead to Offseason Swings, Sabres Acquire Greenway from the Wild for Picks, Bruins Get Gritty Boost with Hathaway Trade Deadline Addition, Flames Acquire Nick Ritchie & Troy Stecher From Coyotes, 4 Fun Facts About Edmonton Oilers Newest Player Nick Bjugstad, Blue Jackets Use Trade Deadline to Setup Big Offseason, Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Schenn, McCabe, Woll& More, Wild Acquire Sundqvist from Red Wings For a Draft Pick. Whos to say the Blackhawks cant find another as they were lucky enough to find two? So, Ive always admired that. (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. Awesome! Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything 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. Brown on the local TV Seattle broadcast in the evening. Secure payments & money back guarantee. Olczyk was pleased the Blackhawks replaced him with Murray and Patrick Sharp, two people he has known and respected for many years. Who Is Kimmi Chex? Short Bio. Olczyk also has an interest in Thoroughbred horse racing, appearing in advertisements for Xpressbet and serving as a guest commentator and handicapper for major horse racing events such as the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes on NBC networks, and on WGN Sports coverage of the Arlington Million that is fed nationally. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. He was selected to repeat his duties alongside Emrick for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.[6]. Thirteen just wouldn't have the same ring to it. 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. The broadcasting part of it, you know, just get into the booth, throw the headset on and wherever you are, Olczyk said. With the Blackhawks heading into unchartered territory, with pain ahead for every inch of the franchise, it almost seems fitting that Olczyk has found a way to escape it all in advance. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. They could have offered him more money or a longer contract. In his NBC Sports horse racing debut on June 28, 2014, Olczyk correctly picked the longshot winner in both races on the $500,000 Gold Cup in the "Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In" telecast. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential . The Hawks have been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. Burish seems like someone who could fly off the handle, or perhaps not be as controlled or professional as the organization might want. 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. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. He spent 16 years in the National Hockey League, playing for six teams, including the Penguins. 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. He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. Olczyk missed much of the 199394 season recovering from a thumb injury suffered in a game versus the Florida Panthers on January 3, 1994; he took part in one playoff game (conference final game 6)[4] and on June 14, 1994, became Stanley Cup champion with the Rangers. Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This was my decision' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. And then theres general manager Ron Francis, who was roommates with Olczyk in the final season for both with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1997-98. 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! 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. . Eddie Olczyk: Birth Realities, Family, and Childhood Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. was conceived on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Eddie Olczyk fans are of all ages. CHICAGO -- Diana Olczyk can still remember the color of the pamphlet her oldest son, Eddie Olczyk, handed her more than 40 years ago, the one that started it all. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. Diana Olczyk and Eddie Olczyk are the parents of 4 children Eddie Olczyk is happily married to Diana Olczyk.. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. 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. Brad Johansen Leaving NBC4 Columbus: Where Is the Anchor Going? "Both my boys and my brother, and (general manager) Ronnie Francis, we. Happy to say I've done that today.". I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. On July 11, 2012, Olczyk became the 16th Blackhawks player elected into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. CHICAGO (AP) Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. I had one goal. And now to have a full-time job as a broadcaster in the NHL, its unbelievable. 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. "I wasn't able to go to the engagement party (on Aug. 6, 2017). In February 2016, it was announced that Olczyk would be the recipient of the Ring Lardner Award, which was founded in 2002 by the Chicago Athletic Association and honors broadcasters and writers who "exemplify the wit and warmth of Ring Lardner's writing." She made quite a name for herself as a player wife and mother. My dad is the strongest person I know. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Some will do it better than others and an imbalance in air time will ensue. He is a class act. We . His deal expired after last season. This is what I will remember about Eddie O. And he isnt just reuniting with his brother. 1 min read. That's what we did.". "Negotiations are hard," Olczyk said. 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. But do you want to stick it out with a rebuilding club? Im like, I dont know what the hell youre talking about. I'm very fortunate to have that relationship with him. Eddie went on to become one of the United States' top players. A few years ago, I got his book Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, which is a fascinating read. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. 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 know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. 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. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. 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. Unlike Eddie, who was a forward, Ricky's path was as a defenseman. And with their family, was always Diana. ", Powers: Olczyk family living the hockey life. But despite Rocky Wirtzs feelings for him, the Hawks drew a line with Olczyk.