Rather, we get to remember the calls that made celebrating their achievements that much more because he was part of sharing the good news. This is my decision. 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. Health: Olzic released a statement via Blackhawks announcing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. 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 . Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. However, we are unknown to the identity of his parents. He also did interim Blackhawks radio work last season after their analyst, Troy Murray, was diagnosed with cancer. 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. He didnt elaborate on theirlove. A few years ago, I got his book Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, which is a fascinating read. "We were simple people. The decision left Hawks' fans confused. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. A third brother, Randy, 44, works at Chicagoland Commercial, an area real estate company. Their sons, Nick, Tommy and Eddie III followed their father's footsteps. And its OK to get that in there. This was about 67% of all the recorded Olczyk's in USA. No matter where they lived, the boys didnt let go of their hockey dreams. She was in the studio for pre-game, post-game, and intermission analysis. 204 ratings24 reviews. 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. Its not what we knew. He had worked many national games with Forslund over the years, so there was immediate comfort there. We'd go north for hockey. Nick once elaborated 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.. Honestly, I shouldnt say, but its only rained one day in like the 30 Ive been here so far. "Again, his love for hockey and his passion, and my love and passion for hockey is a common bond. This [I] know.". The team will be hard enough to watch. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. Their relationship has changed as adults. Against all odds, he played on He wouldn't rule out the possibility of maybe the Inside The NBA guys playing a part in some broadcasts. All rights reserved. Eddie Olczyk Son Two of his children are currently playing hockey. Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. But the Kraken really liked what they saw and felt he could be their Swiss Army knife, so to speak.. 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]. 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 . 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. 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. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. Its certainly unique, Ricky said. "We didn't know how expensive traveling was," Diana said. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. "I guess I'm not, knowing the family and their background," Francis said. 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. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. And its been hard with my mother. "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. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Where Is Damani Whitlock from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? 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. Eddie went on to become one of the United States' top players. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on February 22, 2013. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. 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). In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. They could have him, Forslund and Brown in the same booth depending on the size of an arenas broadcast area or have one working from a different vantage point. As a player, he was the winner of the Stanley Cup with the . "Our lives are hockey," Nick said. With reports indicating that Olczyk is heading to Seattle for the 2022-23 season, he obviously wasnt suffering for other opportunities. him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. For a working-class family, that wasn't always easy. Not because its not possible, but more so because the void that Foley and Olczyk leave will be extremely difficult to fill. There is something fun about being a pioneer, Leiweke said. [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you. And the rumor mill started swirling. 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, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. Blindsided. Throughout his life he transitioned his focus to many different career paths but after he was diagnosed with cancer his priorities shifted. The Kraken were well aware of Olczyks contract status. Join host Nick Olczyk for exclusive interviews, analysis, and dispatches from the road. If they put something to mind, there's a good chance they'll succeed at it.". Not solely because of the Olczyk news, but more so because of all that led up to it. We're able to talk about anything and everything. He even stated, I will die a Blackhawk. Because of that, he could relay what most were thinking, whether good or bad. Foley is in a production truck outside the United Center, and Olczyk is at NBC Sports Networks studios in Stamford, Conn. From making the U.S. Olympic Team in 1984 to winning his battle with cancer over three decades later, its incredible how much hes accomplished over his life. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Hes taken in some of the scenery and gotten to know the area. Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. He scored 180 points in the first three seasons of his hockey career that he spent with the Blackhawks. Clearly, the Blackhawks are taking the concept of a rebuild to a whole new level. "I had a great meeting earlier today with Rocky Wirtz and had a great meeting with Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. They could have offered him more money or a longer contract. 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. His son, Eddie Jr., who played junior hockey with Brown in the USHL, was already a Kraken scout, while his other son, Nick, has also joined the ROOT broadcast crew. Related: Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst. "They love what they're doing," Ed said of his sons. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. 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. SUMMARY , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Hes a Chicago native who grew up a Hawks fan and was the teams first-round draft pick in 1984. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. 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.. He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. He worked on the coaching staff of Niagara Universitys hockey team and is currently a coach at Bemidji State University, UMass. For me, what it did was it reassured me that I was in a pretty good place before I was sick. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. Hell join the Krakens broadcast booth and continue as an analyst for TNT. He was teammates with Eddie and now works with Ricky, and Francis wasn't surprised the brothers each reached the NHL. But it was not meant to be. It is Nov. 10, 1990 and Eddie Olczyk's wife is well into labour at a Scarborough hospital. At present, Rick is a colleague general administrator of the . Am I working with Kenny (Albert), or Johnny (Forslund) or Jonesy (Keith Jones) or J.T.? Im sure Sharpie will probably have it taped off and let me know theres a password to get in there.. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. Eddie, we look up words like courage, grace, professionalism, family man; your picture shows up all over them. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old . Despite his arrival at Turner for hockey, Olczyks deal will allow him to remain at NBC to cover handicap horse racing. 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. [10] Olczyk's daughter Zandra attended the University of Alabama. 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. I want to thank Eddie for his unsuffered commitment to this organization, even in the face of personal challenges, Wirtz said. Ill leave it at that. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. 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. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. Sign up for our regular 'Blackhawks Newsletter' for all the latest. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. He called the Blackhawks' games through a historic run of championship hockey. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. A little later, Olczyk leaves the restaurant, walks down a set of stairs and joins media members near the top of a set of bleachers to watch a hockey practice. In the past two years, he also has covered Triple Crown and other major horse racing events for NBC. But, now he's moving on. Whos to say the Blackhawks cant find another as they were lucky enough to find two? Will M's decision to stick with J.P. Crawford at shortstop pay off. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. Unlike Eddie, who was a forward, Ricky's path was as a defenseman. The actor suffered a brain aneurysm Feb. 18 at his Los Angeles home and died in his sleep Friday at a hospital in Burbank, California, his manager said. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. 1 min read Blackhawks 'disappointed' with Eddie Olczyk's departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement. Eddie Olczyk is a famous American ice hockey player. "It was a decision that I wrestled with for a while," Olczyk said on Unfiltered while talking to Pat Boyle. And so, when extension talks with the Blackhawks snagged this summer, Olczyk didnt hesitate when his brothers team made their pitch. My favorite Edzo moment came back in March 2018, when the Blackhawks were playing the Vancouver Canucks. Regarding a replacement for Eddie, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic brought up the names of Patrick Sharp, Adam Burish, and Caley Chelios. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. I'm very fortunate to have that relationship with him. 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. I'm just proud as heck.". Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. He never anticipated last season would be his last with the organization. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. 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. 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. However, it feels like there may have also been a little more at play in this particular scenario. He became, as Boyle put, "the soundtrack" to the Hawks' dynasty. The moves are not sitting well with fans, who might feel the sting of this more than the rebuild. 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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. 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. Im envious of his new colleagues in Seattle and all the people he will influence and mentor there, just like he did in Chicago. . "This will always be my home," Olczyk said. That's what we did.". See Also: Paul Mooney Gay, Net Worth, Wife, Health, Family. But, he hopes you enjoyed his time in Chicago. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. She spoke from the United Center. Its come so much quicker than I thought.. Eddie Olczyk. And as Olczyk put it, the fans might not enjoy the outcome but he hopes you enjoyed the broadcast. First, he hit on Majestic . We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Send the video to friends and family and don't forget to capture their priceless reactions. I had an incredible conversation with [chairman Rocky Wirtz], met with him in person, as well as Danny [Wirtz] and Jaime [Faulkner]. 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. He's expected to work . He didnt elaborate on theirlove story, but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. The actor suffered a brain aneurysm Feb. 18 at his Los Angeles home and died in his sleep Friday at a hospital in Burbank, California, his manager said. 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. Where Is Bryan Penn-Johnson from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? That became more complicated when the family moved from Niles, a northwest Chicago suburb, to Palos Heights, a southwest suburb, and Eddie still had practices in the northwest suburbs. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. Instead, Olczyk will join the Kraken while remaining as an analyst for TNT. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. It was five years ago last month that Olczyk announced he was stepping away from NBC work to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. That is what Im going to miss. (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. He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. However, I feel like that may not be a realistic possibility, considering the teams apparent youth movement. I was lucky enough that I had the support of my folks and I had a gift. 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. [1] Career [ edit] Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. The credibility that Olczyk brought to his role was second to none. "It's neat," Ricky said. "Negotiations are hard," Olczyk said. Listening to Foley and Olczyk was part of the whole Blackhawks experience. The hockey tradition has also carried on with Eddie's three sons, who are all coaching and playing hockey. 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. ", Powers: Olczyk family living the hockey life. 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. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. Reviews. In 1920 there were 2 Olczyk families living in Michigan. Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis has known the Olczyk family for years.

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