1 min read. SEATTLE Eddie Olczyk pulls out his keycard and swipes it to enter one door. 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). We went to the bank and borrowed $675 and signed a promissory note so he could go on a hockey trip. We . 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. But Danny and Jaime had come out this year, and we spent time with them. To us, family is everything.". Eddie Olczyk released a statement sayinghe wasdiagnosed with colon cancer. "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. This is the official podcast of the Seattle Kraken! He's a phenomenal teacher of the greatest game in the world and will now be showing everyone how he will overcome this obstacle. Eddie Olczyk. And Im happy for the organization, obviously, on a professional level, but on a personal level, Im just ecstatic and over the moon.. It wasnt until August that Olczyk was technically hired by the Kraken because TNT, for which Olczyk calls games nationally, also had to sign off on his new contract. Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. It's been pretty amazing that the boys and my brother are still in the game.". He also did interim Blackhawks radio work last season after their analyst, Troy Murray, was diagnosed with cancer. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will,". Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. But that had some major play in it.. 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. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldn't reach an agreement with management on a new contract. And Olczyk is still awaiting a finalized national broadcast schedule from TNT before he knows which ROOT games hell do. [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. Olczyk is Chicago, just like Foley. Thats the pull announcers have in Chicago. I just expressed to them that I felt at this particular time it was best for me step away. He worked on the coaching staff of Niagara Universitys hockey team and is currently a coach at Bemidji State University, UMass. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". We're able to talk about anything and everything. Would she thrive in a bigger role? 08/26/2019. Lightning, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. 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. My dad is the strongest person I know. 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. Eddie Olczyk Apr 11 2021 Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. Fans knew that the iconic duo of Pat Foley and Olczyk calling Blackhawks games wouldnt last forever, but no one expected it to end this abruptly. [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. Short Bio. June 7th, 2022 Birthday. 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. Eddie Olczyk is a big man. Is Najee Harris Related to Pittsburgh Steelers Legend, Franco Harris? 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. But it was not meant to be. Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. We did because I have a lot of respect for Danny (Wirtz) and Jaime (Faulkner), and I also know Jamie Spencer in the organization, Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said. "They love what they're doing," Ed said of his sons. SUMMARY CHICAGO (AP) Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. 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. If thats the case, do you blame him? (Scott Powers / The Athletic). It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. Its impossible to replace legendary broadcasters like Olczyk, so its hard for anyone to live up to those expectations. 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). The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. He is one of us, a Blackhawks fan. Thirteen just wouldn't have the same ring to it. Eddie also leads hockey analyst for NHL on NBC and, The Chicago Blackhawks. However, I feel like that may not be a realistic possibility, considering the teams apparent youth movement. He was named a captain at Brown University during his senior season. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. The record was broken by Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 201516 season. "[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]. His deal expired after last season. Those who are a fan of image upscaling and Fallout 4 will be pleased to 204 ratings24 reviews. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. Against all odds, he played on Where Is Bryan Penn-Johnson from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? Contents: Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk Jr. is an American former professional hockey player and head coach from the United States. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. That's what we did.". Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. Olczyk feels the same. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. One of the best in the business. (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. Everyone's schedule had to be in sync to get to practices on time. It was five years ago last month that Olczyk announced he was stepping away from NBC work to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. Besides Chelios or Murray, I thought Nick Olczyk, Eddies son would make a good candidate as he did well calling some games last season, but Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reported he left the organization as well. He got to see his old team and his good friend Troy Murray at the Blackhawks game in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche to begin the season, which felt good. Olczyk had talked to a lot of people since the news broke, but he hadnt really seen many Blackhawks personnel since then. 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. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. We're truly grateful and appreciative of it. We don't take it for granted. I'm proud as heck. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. He is currently assistant general manager for the Carolina Hurricanes. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Eddie Olczyk. 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. It will be a growing season within the booth next year for sure. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. [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. The Olczyk family name was found in the USA in 1920. This is what I will remember about Eddie O. 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 audio of Olczyk saying "This has been tremendously tremendous" was an instant hit among hockey enthusiasts and was the subject of many spoofs online. Lets face it; he was the voice of the Blackhawks for the last 16 years. 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 wanted theopportunity to join the winners circle with Diana O. one day. The Kraken were well aware of Olczyks contract status. Just the timing is what it is, and you have to make those decisions. 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Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. Between working as an analyst for NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks, and. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. Its not normal. Join host Nick Olczyk for exclusive interviews, analysis, and dispatches from the road. Everybodys saying, get ready, get ready, the rains coming, the rains coming. Im like, I dont know, maybe. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. 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. He was traded again in 1990 to the Winnipeg Jets, with Mark Osborne for Dave Ellett and Paul Fenton. As regards, Eddie's childhood he was raised . He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. 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." 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. Having grown up in the hockey aspect of it, you just watch them all how they grow on the ice and as human beings,, About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. He scored 180 points in the first three seasons of his hockey career that he spent with the Blackhawks. Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis has known the Olczyk family for years. Besides Nick, Olczyk's brother Ricky is an assistant general manager for the Kraken and son Eddie Jr. is an amateur scout. 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 . Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. The weather has even surprised him. No. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. He then moved to Canada to play for the Stratford Cullitons junior team before joining the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team. He has learned to sleep on planes over the years, so that helps. Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. But, now he's moving on. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. Nevertheless, he will always be a Blackhawk and will forever be part of the Chicago family. But I dont see that happening for a long time. His adoration for the organization was obvious and it oozed out in the best of ways. Olczyk explained he tried to keep a "low profile" during the day. And so when I got sick, theres some peace with that.. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. One may not agree nor understand. 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. Thank you Eddie for all you have done for the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago, and best of luck on your newest adventure! That is what Im going to miss. 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 . 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. 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. He was selected to repeat his duties alongside Emrick for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.[6]. The nurse keeps popping in and out not to check on Diana, but to tell Olczyk that the Maple Leafs. Eddie Olczyk joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast team as a television analyst Thursday. Yes, I do. However, it took him a long time to return to loving horse racing again. He understands Chicago fans, and he connected with them so well because of that. "This will always be my home," Olczyk said. Chris Riva Leaving FOX19 NOW: Where Is the Cincinnati Anchor Going? Tommy is a nationally ranked senior forward for Penn State. "I've always tied it somehow. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. So to be around him more, I know my mom is smiling, which makes us all feel pretty good.. "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. View all (84) Evan. But do you want to stick it out with a rebuilding club? If one thing's certain, however, it's that "Eddie-O" will forever be a Chicago legend. ( 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. And so to be able to work with him, its extremely satisfying, gratifying. Health: Olzic released a statement via Blackhawks announcing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. The hockey tradition has also carried on with Eddie's three sons, who are all coaching and playing hockey. The moves are not sitting well with fans, who might feel the sting of this more than the rebuild. 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. He did over 200 games in Indy and got an unbelievable opportunity when my former linemate, Troy, got sick. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. 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. Enter Search Term. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. Its just not the same, but that doesnt mean its bad. Not because its not possible, but more so because the void that Foley and Olczyk leave will be extremely difficult to fill. 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. In a lot of ways, all this seems very normal. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . He eventually. 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 . Send the video to friends and family and don't forget to capture their priceless reactions. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. 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 played football, and I was eliminated as the pyramid got higher and narrower. Instead, Olczyk will join the Kraken while remaining as an analyst for TNT. That kind of reminds you, 'Work hard and you do what you have to do and it's for your children.' Thanks so much for this great birthday video . See Also: Paul Mooney Gay, Net Worth, Wife, Health, Family. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. Olczyk, who has been one of the voices of the Blackhawks since 2006, will assume the analyst role with the Seattle Kraken joining the team his brother Ricky works for as an assistant general . Eddie Olczyk fans are of all ages. This was about 67% of all the recorded Olczyk's in USA. 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. 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.