. As much as he never expected to leave the Blackhawks, the Kraken presented a perfect option. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. 1 min read. Whos to say the Blackhawks cant find another as they were lucky enough to find two? 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. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. As a player, he was the winner of the Stanley Cup with the . Its certainly unique, Ricky said. 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. 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. Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast. Nothing is said in exchange, and he carries on. But he drew one, too and it leads to Seattle. In negotiations, sometimes you cant come to terms, and thats what happened here., The Hawks released a statement: For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to have legendary broadcaster Eddie Olczyk bring Chicago Blackhawks hockey into the homes of our fans. This wasnt Olczyk navigating through the United Center and meeting his son to watch the Chicago Blackhawks practice before a broadcast. Brian, Darryl, Duane, and theyve had situations where theyve worked in the same organization. Short Bio. All rights reserved. He then moved to Canada to play for the Stratford Cullitons junior team before joining the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team. 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 stated, Negotiations are hard. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. Olczyk explained he tried to keep a "low profile" during the day. He and Pat Foley, who is also now gone. In . He has one brother Rick Olczyk, who is also involved in the hockey profession. 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. [1], Olczyk grew up in Niles, Illinois and Palos Heights, Illinois and went to Brother Rice Catholic High School. A third brother, Randy, 44, works at Chicagoland Commercial, an area real estate company. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. If they put something to mind, there's a good chance they'll succeed at it.". Chelios, well, I was impressed with ALL her commentary last season, of which she was trialed in all aspects. The loss of Olczyk in the broadcasting booth makes me very sad. My favorite Edzo moment came back in March 2018, when the Blackhawks were playing the Vancouver Canucks. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. And its been hard with my mother. So to be around him more, I know my mom is smiling, which makes us all feel pretty good.. For an Original Six franchise, the Blackhawks need to do right by their fans here, which lately hasnt always been the case. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Regarding a replacement for Eddie, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic brought up the names of Patrick Sharp, Adam Burish, and Caley Chelios. Their parents have enjoyed watching the relationship evolve and witnessing how each son arrived at his goal of the NHL in his own way. With reports indicating that Olczyk is heading to Seattle for the 2022-23 season, he obviously wasnt suffering for other opportunities. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. In March 2018, Olczyk announced that he was officially "cancer-free". He took a break from his broadcast activities and is currently receiving treatment. According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. And so when I got sick, theres some peace with that.. Along with being a longtime color commentator for the NHL . 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). That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. 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. Absolutely. One may not agree nor understand. In 1920 there were 2 Olczyk families living in Michigan. The broadcasting part of it, you know, just get into the booth, throw the headset on and wherever you are, Olczyk said. He was traded several times during his career. I really have a lot of respect for what theyre doing and how theyre going about it. His deal expired after last season. , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Nick Olczyk, Eddies son who appeared on TV and radio for the Hawks last season, also will not return, according to a source. She spoke from the United Center. 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. There is something fun about being a pioneer, Leiweke said. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldn't reach an agreement with management on a new contract. When Eddie Olczyk left the Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth, there were reports that he would eventually land on his feet in Seattle. He had worked many national games with Forslund over the years, so there was immediate comfort there. But Danny and Jaime had come out this year, and we spent time with them. He spent 16 years in the National Hockey League, playing for six teams, including the Penguins. Its just not the same, but that doesnt mean its bad. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. Im sure going back will feel a little different, but its home. "We're very, very blessed. Thats as far as Im gonna go on that. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. Who Is Kimmi Chex? Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair. Some changes perhaps will be for the better, but letting the best hockey analyst on TV walk out the door will not be one of them. The Hawks have been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. ( 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. He is a class act. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. We admire you, and were lucky to have you as part of our extended family.. Olczyk feels the same. 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. All Rights Reserved. This is my decision. But I dont see that happening for a long time. He owned a thoroughbred he named Diana O., after his wife. He was named a captain at Brown University during his senior season. Am I working with Kenny (Albert), or Johnny (Forslund) or Jonesy (Keith Jones) or J.T.? Scott Powers is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Blackhawks. The weather has even surprised him. Yes, I do. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. The two sides fit perfectly in that regard. Besides Nick, Olczyk's brother Ricky is an assistant general manager for the Kraken and son Eddie Jr. is an amateur scout. Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. Secure payments & money back guarantee. Can you guys wear a name tag for me? Instead, Olczyk will join the Kraken while remaining as an analyst for TNT. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. The nurse keeps popping in and out not to check on Diana, but to tell Olczyk that the Maple Leafs. Ricky looked up to his older brother throughout Eddie's hockey ascension and began dedicating himself to the sport as well. 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. And he isnt just reuniting with his brother. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. It started with multiple reports detailing that he was stepping away. Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. 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. SEATTLE Eddie Olczyk pulls out his keycard and swipes it to enter one door. I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. Awesome! The 18 game streak would remain a Toronto franchise record (tied with Darryl Sittler until being surpassed in December 2022 by Mitch Marner. Their relationship has changed as adults. Olczyk took the high road by owning the decision to leave, but he didnt arrive at it alone. 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. His deal expired after last season. Will M's decision to stick with J.P. Crawford at shortstop pay off. The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement regarding Eddie Olczyk's decision to leave the team as their color broadcaster and join the Seattle Kraken. Meet the Rumored New Head Coach of the Utah Jazz. That rumor has become a reality. 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. Id like to say that Im shocked, but numb might be a more fitting word to use at this point. Im envious of his new colleagues in Seattle and all the people he will influence and mentor there, just like he did in Chicago. So, its going to be fun.. The team will be hard enough to watch. 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.. 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 . Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. 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. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. That's what we did.". I was lucky enough that I had the support of my folks and I had a gift. [8], Olczyk and his wife, Diana, have three sons, all former hockey players, and one daughter. ", Powers: Olczyk family living the hockey life. The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. On July 18, it was announced that beloved Chicago Blackhawks broadcaster Eddie Olczyk would leave the organization after serving 16 years as a color commentator for the team, and will join the Seattle Krakens broadcast. Blindsided. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. Eddie Olczyk fans are of all ages. 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. Olczyk said details for the planned three-man setup remain in flux. 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 . The couple has four children namely Nick, Tom, Rick, and a daughter called Zandra. I'm just proud as heck.". She was in the studio for pre-game, post-game, and intermission analysis. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. Related: Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst. 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. 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. He is also ranked in the richest person list from United States. By: Caroline John - Published: August 9, 2017 at 10:20 am, Photo: Ronald Martinez / Staff/ Getty Images. However, people grow into that legendary status all the time within hockey. Of course, not knowing the details of the negotiation, its hard to gauge what that offer may or may not have looked like. Contents: Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk Jr. is an American former professional hockey player and head coach from the United States. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. 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 . Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. He was born and raised here, and he played for the Blackhawks. Their sons, Nick, Tommy and Eddie III followed their fathers footsteps. 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. Last season, he got a chance to call his first NHL games for the Blackhawks and did many more than expected when Murray missed games while battling cancer. We'd go north for hockey. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. View all (84) Evan. 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. 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. Thats an exciting opportunity for him, but it hurts and he will be missed. Eddie Olczyk was ready to give up. Foley is in a production truck outside the United Center, and Olczyk is at NBC Sports Networks studios in Stamford, Conn. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Olczyk told the Sun-Times. They're just good people and hardworking. This is what I will remember about Eddie O. And as Olczyk put it, the fans might not enjoy the outcome but he hopes you enjoyed the broadcast. Thanks so much for this great birthday video . Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. Olczyk was pleased the Blackhawks replaced him with Murray and Patrick Sharp, two people he has known and respected for many years. Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. Eddie Olczyk. Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Olczyk surname lived. Since the 201819 NHL season, "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Brian Boucher joins Emrick, Olczyk, and McGuire for big games. Personal life [ edit] Born in Glenview, Illinois in 1954, [1] Pat Foley is the son of Mary and Bob Foley. Nick will live there permanently during the season, and Olczyk will take the smaller bedroom when hes in town. Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. 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. "We'd park at the tollway oasis, walk together, meet halfway. Im not very confident. 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. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006.. . We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. His travel is longer. 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. Thats just whatever. But at the same time, I think its exciting to be a part of something new.. It was a head-scratching moment to hear that Eddie Olczyk planned to leave the Chicago Blackhawks' broadcasting booth for good. That's as far as I'm gonna go on that. Eddie Olczyk (right) and Pat Foley are calling Blackhawks playoff games together but apart. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. 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. However, it took him a long time to return to loving horse racing again. The weathers been unbelievable, Olczyk said. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. 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. 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. Honestly, you could probably put Olczyk in any hockey TV booth around the league and hed be more than fine. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Eddie Olczyk told the Sun-Times on Monday. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. Hes taken in some of the scenery and gotten to know the area. "It's neat," Ricky said. 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. Eddie Olczyk Son Two of his children are currently playing hockey. "Once you're in, you're in," said Eddie, 49, who is an analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks and nationally for NBC. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. 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. "We didn't know how expensive traveling was," Diana said. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. . 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. He played 16 seasons in the NHL, coached in the NHL and is now one of the game's most recognizable television commentators. Join host Nick Olczyk for exclusive interviews, analysis, and dispatches from the road. My mom would take my dad's car to go home to go south. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. See Also: Paul Mooney Gay, Net Worth, Wife, Health, Family. Since making his sports broadcast debut, traveling between cities is still a part of Eddie Olzcyks schedule. An avid enthusiast of thoroughbred horse racing, Eddie Olczyk also served as guest commentator at major horse racing events for NBC Sports. It's been pretty amazing that the boys and my brother are still in the game.". Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I don't know why we're so deserving of these fortunes. "I think both sides certainly expected to get a contract done.". 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. I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. He played the last two seasons of his career in Chicago. 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. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to. Despite his arrival at Turner for hockey, Olczyks deal will allow him to remain at NBC to cover handicap horse racing. Having said that, this is a huge, huge blow for the Blackhawks and their fans. The credibility that Olczyk brought to his role was second to none. Someone is seated inside the otherwise-empty restaurant, and Olczyk explains hes going into the other room to be interviewed. He also currently serves as the Horse Racing Handicapper and Analyst for NBC's Horse Racing Coverage. Once Eddie showed promise in hockey, he began to have more opportunities to play against better competition, which meant having to send him around the United States and into Canada. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. How could he? "I wasn't able to go to the engagement party (on Aug. 6, 2017). "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. Theres negotiations, and we agreed to disagree, and everybody has moved on, he said. No. He finished his career in Chicago. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. (Scott Powers / The Athletic). Among the three brothers, the family agrees that Nick is the best hockey player, second only to their father. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". 1 draft choice for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. We appreciate his many . His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. He became, as Boyle put, "the soundtrack" to the Hawks' dynasty. 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. We're excited to welcome award-winning broadcaster & @NHL veteran Eddie Olczyk to the #SeaKraken family where he'll join @JohnForslund & @JTBrown23 in the Kraken broadcast . It wasnt a secret he was due a new deal in the summer. He has learned to sleep on planes over the years, so that helps. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. This [I] know.". 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. In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. The Blackhawks honored "Edzo" for his induction in a pregame ceremony on February 22, 2013, at the United Center. His adoration for the organization was obvious and it oozed out in the best of ways. 1 min read Blackhawks 'disappointed' with Eddie Olczyk's departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement. He also doesnt have to wait long to return to Chicago and the United Center. Look, I never thought Id leave home. We all simply have to get used to a different voice. 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. Health: Olzic released a statement via Blackhawks announcing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? 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. And the one thing I guess Im proud and excited to say is that I dont. Is Larry Elder Related to the Late Golf Legend, Lee Elder. Eddie Olczyk, Perry Lefko. The moves are not sitting well with fans, who might feel the sting of this more than the rebuild. 08/26/2019. 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. He coached the Penguins for two seasons between 2003-05, going 31-64-10 with eight ties. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Hes close friends with Kraken general manager Ron Francis. At present, Rick is a colleague general administrator of the . After Emrick retired on October 19, 2020, at the end of the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals, he was paired with Kenny Albert and John Forslund for most of the regular season but was paired with Albert for the playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals. Eddie Olczyk. Once the time came, the longtime broadcaster initiated meetings with Rocky and Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. Eddie Olczyk is a famous American ice hockey player. But, with the attention surrounding the story, he couldn't help but clear the air. The grueling ordeal, chronicled in hisBeating the Odds: In Hockey and in Lifebook co-authored with Perry Lefko, ended in March 2018 when he announced on-air he was cancer-free. [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. Eddie Olczyk @Edzo16. But either way, it doesnt paint the best picture for the team. 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. She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. SEATTLE Eddie Olczyk pulls out his keycard and swipes it to enter one door. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. 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 understands Chicago fans, and he connected with them so well because of that. 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. June 7th, 2022 Birthday. 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."
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