Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. And now to have a full-time job as a broadcaster in the NHL, its unbelievable. Everything else is a bit of an adjustment. Burish seems like someone who could fly off the handle, or perhaps not be as controlled or professional as the organization might want. He'd 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. Thats the pull announcers have in Chicago. A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks). Signals From The Deep - TopPodcast.com Its impossible to replace legendary broadcasters like Olczyk, so its hard for anyone to live up to those expectations. He was born on August 16, 1966 and his birthplace is Chicago, United States. 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. Its not what we knew. [11], Rick Olczyk, Eddie's younger brother, is a former hockey player for Brown University and became an assistant general manager for the Kraken in 2019. 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. Eddie Olczyk @Edzo16. Kraken TV job also a chance to be closer to family for Eddie Olczyk This was about 67% of all the recorded Olczyk's in USA. But it was not meant to be. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. Eddie, we look up words like courage, grace, professionalism, family man; your picture shows up all over them. He used to drive from Chicago to Indianapolis to make 50 bucks a game, Olczyk said. He will be deeply missed. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. (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. CHICAGO Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. 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. I never thought, to be completely honest, Id get 35 games last year, let alone one. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . Tommy is a nationally ranked senior forward for Penn State. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. Rather, we get to remember the calls that made celebrating their achievements that much more because he was part of sharing the good news. He shares the same sentiment about his departure. Eddie Olczyk (right) and Pat Foley are calling Blackhawks playoff games together but apart. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. All rights reserved. Whether coming to Seattle from Chicago, where he and his wife still have their home, or most cities he visits with TNT, the flights are simply longer. But even before Olczyk officially hit the market in July, the Kraken reached out to the Blackhawks and asked permission to talk to him while he was still under contract. Players, coaches, execs vote for NHL's top centers, Road to the men's Frozen Four: Conference tournaments at a glance, Theodore scores in SO, Golden Knights beat Devils 4-3, Lineup picks, matchups, start or sit advice for Friday. With reports indicating that Olczyk is heading to Seattle for the 2022-23 season, he obviously wasnt suffering for other opportunities. Eddie Olczyk and Diana Olczyks family live and breathe hockey. as well as a few other broadcasts, he accumulated many frequent flier miles! Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . 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 . Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. how hockey crazy the family is, We have a plaque, actually, in our house right when you walk in the foyer that says, We interrupt this family for hockey. I think thats a perfect slogan if you can quote our family., And with their family, was always Diana. She spoke from the United Center. It is Nov. 10, 1990 and Eddie Olczyk's wife is well into labour at a Scarborough hospital. His son Nick discussed a TV studio analyst role with the Kraken and signed with the organization before his father did. Ricky also happens to be a Kraken assistant general manager. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. 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 - Playerswiki 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! By: Caroline John - Published: August 9, 2017 at 10:20 am, Photo: Ronald Martinez / Staff/ Getty Images. Hell be there on Sunday as the Kraken visit the Blackhawks. Like the Blackhawks who seemed to always put competing at the forefront, Eddie led with passion in all he did for the franchise. 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. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. Book excerpt from Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life Who Is Kimmi Chex? My favorite Edzo moment came back in March 2018, when the Blackhawks were playing the Vancouver Canucks. 204 ratings24 reviews. The nurse keeps popping in and out not to check on Diana, but to tell Olczyk that the Maple Leafs. If thats the case, do you blame him? He didnt elaborate on theirlove. "How ironic," Olczyk said . 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. But at the same time, I think its exciting to be a part of something new.. Someone is seated inside the otherwise-empty restaurant, and Olczyk explains hes going into the other room to be interviewed. [1], Olczyk grew up in Niles, Illinois and Palos Heights, Illinois and went to Brother Rice Catholic High School. But Tommy, an accounting major with a 3.7 GPA, is the brains ofthe family and they agree he gets it from their mom. I played football, and I was eliminated as the pyramid got higher and narrower. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. Hes still commuting between coasts, keeping an Eastside residence for when hes working here. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. 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. . 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. "We're very, very blessed. 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. He expects to do about 45 Kraken games and probably another 50 NHL games, including the playoffs, with TNT. 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. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. You need that entering a rebuild, and theyre missing out. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. 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. 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. In the book, Olczyk talks about how he was bullied as a child; his ascension to the NHL as an 18-year-old rookie; the night he was traded from Toronto to Winnipeg as his wife was about to give. . Olczyk was also the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to . If they put something to mind, there's a good chance they'll succeed at it.". Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. He is one of us, a Blackhawks fan. 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. That is what Im going to miss. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. She did radio analysis, and she called a few games on TV. But giving a woman this kind of rein would certainly be a good look for an organization that has been through the mud politically these past few seasons.Or it could backfire. Between working as an analyst for NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks, and. 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. The couple has four children namely Nick, Tom, Rick, and a daughter called Zandra. Of course, not knowing the details of the negotiation, its hard to gauge what that offer may or may not have looked like. NHL -- Eddie Olczyk and his familiy are living and loving the hockey life 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. 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. The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. He was selected to repeat his duties alongside Emrick for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.[6]. I never dreamed hed make it to the NHL this fast, and it was an unfortunate circumstance. Blackhawks' Eddie Olczyk set to join Kraken's broadcast booth - USA TODAY Eddie Olczyk not returning to Blackhawks broadcasts - WGN-TV 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. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Some will do it better than others and an imbalance in air time will ensue. And so, it was fully wanting to ask their permission, and we just took our time.. My mom would take my dad's car to go home to go south. Throughout his life he transitioned his focus to many different career paths but after he was diagnosed with cancer his priorities shifted. He's expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season. Diana Olczyk: 4 Facts to Know about Eddie Olczyk's Wife - Earn The Necklace He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. When Eddie Olczyk left the Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth, there were reports that he would eventually land on his feet in Seattle. Hes a Chicago native who grew up a Hawks fan and was the teams first-round draft pick in 1984. 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. 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. I believe it was a God-given gift to play hockey. They could have offered him more money or a longer contract. He's going to go pound for pound with this disease and be standing with his hands in the air at the end as he did 361 times in his career. I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. My plan was to be in Indy for four years, and then I was starting to put feelers out for American League color jobs, said Nick, who was hired, along with Alison Lukan, for a studio analyst role this season. 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. He has learned to sleep on planes over the years, so that helps. He did over 200 games in Indy and got an unbelievable opportunity when my former linemate, Troy, got sick. 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. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Honestly, more disappointed than surprised. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. Next Up In 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 grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. 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.. He is currently assistant general manager for the Carolina Hurricanes. Olczyk explained he tried to keep a "low profile" during the day. Look, I never thought Id leave home. His older fans followed him from his days in National Hockey League while his younger fans . Eddie Olczyk believes that should be great for the network and the league. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. "This will always be my home," Olczyk said. Eddie Olczyk Family. And its been hard with my mother. She made quite a name for herself as a player wife and mother. 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. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. "I had a great meeting earlier today with Rocky Wirtz and had a great meeting with Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. When Nick had expressed an interest in broadcasting after his college career, Olczyk encouraged him to seek opportunities anywhere he could. I suspect that well see a cast of characters come and go throughout the season, each taking their rightful turn at proving why the role should be theirs. He attended Brother Rice Catholic High School. From a broadcast standpoint, nothing has been different for Olczyk working for the Kraken. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. In 2003, he moved from the booth to the bench and served as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 11, 2003, until December 15, 2005. He often traveled for NHL games and his work still leads him to travel across the country. Eddie Olczyk. And it all came to an end. My dad is the strongest person I know. Eddie Olczyk discusses surviving colon cancer, return to booth - Sports To us, family is everything.". See Also: Paul Mooney Gay, Net Worth, Wife, Health, Family. The two sides fit perfectly in that regard. Leiweke pitched Olczyk as he does anyone he wants to hire: He sells being part of a new NHL franchise and all the exciting things happening within the organization. Source: Eddie Olczyk moving on from Blackhawks as color analyst after Would she thrive in a bigger role? 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. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. The Blackhawks teardown includes the TV booth. Eddie Olczyk: Birth Realities, Family, and Childhood Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. was conceived on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. He finished his career in Chicago. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. Olczyk was recently named the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Ambassador for the 2019-20 season and his new book " Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life " tells the story of his fight . Olczyk was also the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to December 2005. I had one goal. Eddie Olczyk has a high-flying career literally. In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. At least the way Eddie Olczyk sees it. I'm very fortunate to have that relationship with him. 4.05. 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." Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. 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. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. We admire you, and were lucky to have you as part of our extended family.. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. 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. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on February 22, 2013. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. Color commentator Eddie Olczyk set to join Seattle Kraken Eddie Olczyk Officially Joins the Seattle Kraken Broadcast Team On December 30, 2010, it was announced that Foley and Olczyk signed a three-year extension to stay with the Blackhawks. 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. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. But before the horse made it to the finish line, she suffered an injury. 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 . Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. He didnt elaborate on theirlove story, but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. A few years ago, I got his book Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, which is a fascinating read. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Will M's decision to stick with J.P. Crawford at shortstop pay off. The facts are simple. Given our age discrepancy its four years older for the record he and I were never able to play against each other or on the same team in any sport. Itll be great to be back home and Im sure it will be emotional for me on the inside, for sure. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Eddie Olczyk told the Sun-Times on Monday. And with their family, was always Diana. Olczyk feels the same. Diana Olczyk and Eddie Olczyk are the parents of 4 children Eddie Olczyk is happily married to Diana Olczyk.. The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. No one will ever be able to replace Edzo, but you need those traits for the lead analyst role. 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." Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. 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. 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. "Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Eddie Olczyk owns decision to leave Blackhawks, but he didnt arrive at it alone, Cubs Justin Steele back on track after efficient first spring-training start, Cubs spring-training camp thins as WBC participants leave for tournament, Bulls get a painful lesson in what a real playoff team should look like, Sectional final roundup: Simeon, St. Ignatius win in 3A; Oswego East takes down Joliet West in 4A, Blown leads continue plaguing Bulls as Billy Donovan searches for a fix, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson concludes frenetic trade deadline week with reflective Friday, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Chicago police officer was shot and killed in front of kids playing at school: They ran as quickly as possible just to get to safety, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Tom Sizemore dies at 61; actor known for Saving Private Ryan, Natural Born Killers. Olczyk Name Meaning & Olczyk Family History at Ancestry.com Eddie Olczyk - Wikipedia 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. 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. My husband worked a lot of hours. Am I working with Kenny (Albert), or Johnny (Forslund) or Jonesy (Keith Jones) or J.T.? God bless! Those who are a fan of image upscaling and Fallout 4 will be pleased to Perfect hires, Blackhawks forever, and so I think its a win-win for them doing the games, Olczyk said. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. ", Powers: Olczyk family living the hockey life. 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. But if youre Olczyk, do you really want to do that?Just like with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. I'm proud as heck. Eddie Olczyk owns decision to leave Blackhawks, but he didn't arrive at