him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. Brown on the local TV Seattle broadcast in the evening. Olczyks son spent four seasons as a radio analyst on ECHL Indy Fuel broadcasts. The Kraken were well aware of Olczyks contract status. On Oct. 15, 2012, Eddie Olczyk before the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2012 induction dinner in Dallas. The Sutter family, theyve been able to work together. On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. Geoff Baker covers hockey and is a sports enterprise and investigative reporter for The Seattle Times. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. [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. Blackhawks Roundtable: Eddie Olczyk's Departure - The Hockey Writers Itll be great to be back home and Im sure it will be emotional for me on the inside, for sure. Eddie Olczyk Wife He married a beutiful woman called Diana Olczyk. And its OK to get that in there. 1 draft choice for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. 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. From 1984 through 1987, Olczyk was a member of Chicago's infamous "Clydesdale Line" with Troy Murray and Curt Fraser, the nickname coined by Chicago's broadcaster Pat Foley, as each player weighed in at or around 200 pounds. Im sure going back will feel a little different, but its home. 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. But if youre Olczyk, do you really want to do that?Just like with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Access Free The Final Push Beat The Odds And Turn Your Graduation At the same time , Its strange, Nick Olczyk says later. The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement regarding Eddie Olczyk's decision to leave the team as their color broadcaster and join the Seattle Kraken. And coming out of those heavy days, entering the final year of his Blackhawks broadcast deal, Olczyk, 55, decided there was a remaining hockey dream hed like to fulfill if afforded the opportunity. Eddie Olczyk Net Worth, Age, Bio, Birthday, Height, Facts - BuzzLearn 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. Related: Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. 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. Olczyk was tied with Phil Kessel for the second-longest point streak by an American-born player in NHL history, at 18 games, having set the original mark in 198990, while with Toronto. Pat Foley (born 1954) is an American retired play-by-play commentator for ice hockey . "Negotiations are hard," Olczyk said. According to multiple media reports, Eddie Olczyk is leaving his role as the color analyst for NBC Sports Chicago's broadcasts of Blackhawks games. Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast. She did radio analysis, and she called a few games on TV. He eventually. Book a personalized video $49. "I think both sides certainly expected to get a contract done.". Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. Try a week on us. Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair. Listening to Foley and Olczyk was part of the whole Blackhawks experience. That something new is the Seattle Kraken. ", Powers: Olczyk family living the hockey life. And with their family, was always Diana. "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. Olczyk, with Toronto Sun journalist Lefko, presents a gripping account of his remarkable life, from his selection for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Hockey team through his remarkable battle with colon cancer. So, Ive always admired that. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006.. But do you want to stick it out with a rebuilding club? He's expected to work . But the one thing well have is great conversation. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. He's a fighter to the core and is going to beat this. 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. 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. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. And he isnt just reuniting with his brother. 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, of course, both say thats a compliment. Im sure Sharpie will probably have it taped off and let me know theres a password to get in there.. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. But I am also happy for him as he has a lot of family connections in Seattle. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. For me, what it did was it reassured me that I was in a pretty good place before I was sick. In a lot of ways, all this seems very normal. No one will ever be able to replace Edzo, but you need those traits for the lead analyst role. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. He even stated, I will die a Blackhawk. Because of that, he could relay what most were thinking, whether good or bad. 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. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. The team will be hard enough to watch. He also was the lead color commentator for NHL on NBC, and previously for the NHL on Versus; the latter later rebranded as NBCSN in 2012. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . 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. He is one of us, a Blackhawks fan. I mean that's just the reality of the world we live in. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. Add local institution Eddie Olczyk to the list. Eddie Olczyk's return to the United Center 'an emotional time,' but he 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. 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. 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. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. 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. Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. The record was broken by Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 201516 season. But it was not meant to be. 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. Through their ups and downs, he was the voice of reason for Chicago and was one of the teams biggest ambassadors. 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. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you. They may not know what an icing is, or a specific slang in hockey. 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. 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. So, its going to be fun.. 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." During the games first intermission, he announced he was cancer-free, and his openness during and after his battle never failed to amaze me. He played 16 seasons in the NHL, coached in the NHL and is now one of the game's most recognizable television commentators. This is the official podcast of the Seattle Kraken! And it all came to an end. People always ask me with the cancer whether I look at things differently now than I did before I was sick, Olczyk said. Source: Eddie Olczyk moving on from Blackhawks as color analyst after Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. He served as a television color commentator for NHL on NBC until its end in 2021 and currently commentates on TNT and Seattle Kraken games on Root Sports Northwest. That rumor has become a reality. He would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. Next Up In Albert and Olczyk joined TNT after the Finals as their lead broadcast team (erstwhile NBC studio analyst Keith Jones was later added to join the pair).[7]. Despite adding marquee free-agents, the Penguins started the season with a disappointing 8176 record, leading to Olczyk's dismissal on December 15.[5]. 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 July 18, it was announced that beloved Chicago Blackhawks ' broadcaster Eddie Olczyk would leave the organization after serving 16 years as a color . Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk Join Turner Sports' NHL Diana O. was in the lead at one point and it looked like she could win. 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. (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. Cancer survivor and former NHL player speaks about his journey Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. I will also miss him always saying, Keep an eye on the goaltender if the Hawks or the opposing team were down by a goal with a couple of minutes left. How could he? 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. Olczyk is the latest big name to leave the organization, which has been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. The couple now owns four thoroughbred horses and hes also a big advocate of the safety of the animals. Diana Olczyk: 4 Facts to Know about Eddie Olczyk's Wife - Earn The Necklace Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. Join host Nick Olczyk for exclusive interviews, analysis, and dispatches from the road. 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 - Playerswiki My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". He has one sibling Rick Olczyk, who is additionally engaged with hockey calling. 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! Eddie Olczyk: Birth Realities, Family, and Childhood Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. was conceived on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. But although that scare made him want to fight for the things he already appreciated, the death last summer of Olczyks mother, Diana, reminded him there was still more hed like to do. 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. Good, high-quality broadcasters matter, and with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews being the exception, this feels tougher than losing any player. 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'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. 1 Marriage 4 Children. "We were simple people. 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. 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. Eddie Olczyk: I Want Inside The NBA Crew On TNT NHL Show But the Kraken really liked what they saw and felt he could be their Swiss Army knife, so to speak.. I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. 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. "I guess I'm not, knowing the family and their background," Francis said. Olczyk has several connections to the Kraken. Nicks hiring by the Kraken did help make Olczyks decision easier. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to tell him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. Share. "We didn't know how expensive traveling was," Diana said. 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. . After signing as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings in 1996, he would not finish the season with them before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Glen Murray. CHICAGO (AP) Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts and is expected to work Seattle Kraken games next season. 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. "It's neat," Ricky said. The weathers been unbelievable, Olczyk said. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. 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. Eddie Olczyk joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast team as a television analyst Thursday. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. Every time he was traded or signed to a new team, the family had to pick up and move to a new home. "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. Foley is in a production truck outside the United Center, and Olczyk is at NBC Sports Networks studios in Stamford, Conn. The family shared Eddie's hockey journey, turning out-of-state hockey tournaments into vacations. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. On December 30, 2010, it was announced that Foley and Olczyk signed a three-year extension to stay with the Blackhawks. Coach Red was one of the kindest and most knowledgeable human beings I was lucky enough to play for, and learn from in the game and in life. Since making his sports broadcast debut, traveling between cities is still a part of Eddie Olzcyks schedule. He called the Blackhawks' games through a historic run of championship hockey. He's a phenomenal teacher of the greatest game in the world and will now be showing everyone how he will overcome this obstacle. However, we are unknown to the identity of his parents. As a player, he was the winner of the Stanley Cup with the . To us, family is everything.". Its not a great look for the organization, especially knowing that retaining him would be necessary for next seasons struggles. "I kid them every so often, 'You guys never had a real job.' 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. "It was a decision that I wrestled with for a while," Olczyk said on Unfiltered while talking to Pat Boyle. 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. Throughout his life he transitioned his focus to many different career paths but after he was diagnosed with cancer his priorities shifted. Not confident at all. Eddie's youngest son, Nick, 19, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and will play at Colorado College beginning next season.