For someone whos done so much not just for the Blackhawks but the Chicago community, it seems like the organization totally misread the room. We're truly grateful and appreciative of it. But either way, it doesnt paint the best picture for the team. 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. It's been pretty amazing that the boys and my brother are still in the game.". His deal expired after last season. Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Jim Bay Former New York Ranger and NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk. Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. Eddie Olczyk's son Nick, who has been one of the radio color analyst fill-ins for Troy Murray this season, made his television debut that night and anybody watching and listening could notice the . Having grown up in the hockey aspect of it, you just watch them all how they grow on the ice and as human beings, said Diana. Besides Nick, Olczyk's brother Ricky is an assistant general manager for the Kraken and son Eddie Jr. is an amateur scout. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. He has more than earned the right to command whatever he wants as far as contracts go. Its tough to say. 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. [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. The decision left Hawks' fans confused. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. He understands Chicago fans, and he connected with them so well because of that. Brown on the local TV Seattle broadcast in the evening. He has learned to sleep on planes over the years, so that helps. According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. 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. Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. 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. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. In the big picture, the Hawks are focused on saving money. . He played 16 seasons in the NHL, coached in the NHL and is now one of the game's most recognizable television commentators. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. The boys have a lot of those traits. "Hockey has always been a part of my fabric in every academic endeavor I've done," said Ricky, 45, who was recently named to the management staff for Team Europe's entry in the World Cup of Hockey. Twenty is a nice round number. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. And he isnt just reuniting with his brother. "Our lives are hockey," Nick said. And with their family, was always Diana. In Seattle, Olczyk will be reunited with occasional TNT platform mate John Forslund on ROOT Sports Northwest and younger brother Rick Olczyk, an assistant GM of the Kraken. Whos to say the Blackhawks cant find another as they were lucky enough to find two? He was named a captain at Brown University during his senior season. Thanks so much for this great birthday video . Next Up In 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. On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. We admire you, and were lucky to have you as part of our extended family.. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. No one will know the real reasons the contract went into the paper shredder. Reviews. [2] He was a star on the Illinois midget AAA team (Team Illinois) that won the 1982 national title against a Detroit Compuware squad that featured future NHL stars Pat LaFontaine and Al Iafrate. One of the best in the business. Not confident at all. Burish seems like someone who could fly off the handle, or perhaps not be as controlled or professional as the organization might want. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. At least the way Eddie Olczyk sees it. However, I feel like that may not be a realistic possibility, considering the teams apparent youth movement. Eddie went on to become one of the United States' top players. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. 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. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. I had one goal. Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. I want to thank Eddie for his unsuffered commitment to this organization, even in the face of personal challenges, Wirtz said. I'm very fortunate to have that relationship with him. Longtime analyst Eddie Olczyk will not return to the team. We are going to miss him as much as our fans will. [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. 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. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. Eddie Olczyk. He played the last two seasons of his career in Chicago. Diana O. was in the lead at one point and it looked like she could win. And the one thing I guess Im proud and excited to say is that I dont. He scored 180 points in the first three seasons of his hockey career that he spent with the Blackhawks. The family lived in Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Eddie's sons are continuing the hockey tradition in the Olczyk family. Blackhawks fans: what will you miss the most? 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. He attended Brother Rice Catholic High School. And so to be able to work with him, its extremely satisfying, gratifying. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. He also currently serves as the Horse Racing Handicapper and Analyst for NBC's Horse Racing Coverage. My heart breaks for his family, former colleagues and every player who was lucky enough to call him their coach. He was traded several times during his career. No matter where they lived, the boys didnt let go of their hockey dreams. The facts are simple. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. Their parents have enjoyed watching the relationship evolve and witnessing how each son arrived at his goal of the NHL in his own way. My dad is the strongest person I know. Hes focused on the present. Olczyk was also the lead color commentator for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey, where he partnered with Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Pierre McGuire. So to be around him more, I know my mom is smiling, which makes us all feel pretty good.. 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 . 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. Having walked in that building for 16 straight years, under some real emotional time, not only franchise-wise but also personally, spent a lot of my life there, so Im sure the time to reminisce and be able to really kind of sit back. He'll be back on his feet, in the booth, and at the track in no time. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Against all odds, he played on When thinking about most of the games Olczyk worked last year, they were mainly with Foley before he joined Chris Vosters for a handful of games toward the end of the season. 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. But Danny and Jaime had come out this year, and we spent time with them. 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. The first door he tries is locked, so he heads to a second, and that one opens for him. The 1984 draft class saw legends like Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, and Brett Hull all join the NHL. Listening to Foley and Olczyk was part of the whole Blackhawks experience. At the end of the day it is always about money and terms. Eddie Olczyk @Edzo16. She made quite a name for herself as a player wife and mother. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. Chelios, well, I was impressed with ALL her commentary last season, of which she was trialed in all aspects. He was selected to repeat his duties alongside Emrick for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.[6]. Yes, I do. Olczyk is Chicago, just like Foley. The trio have provided commentary for every EA Sports NHL game until NHL 19, when Ferraro became the new color commentator. Since making his sports broadcast debut, traveling between cities is still a part of Eddie Olzcyks schedule. All rights reserved. Eddie Olczyk has a high-flying career literally. His brother, Ricky, was in the front office. If thats the case, do you blame him? 1 draft choice for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. 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As regards, Eddie's childhood he was raised . . Olczyk was pleased the Blackhawks replaced him with Murray and Patrick Sharp, two people he has known and respected for many years. I just expressed to them that I felt at this particular time it was best for me step away. August 11, 2022. 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. He's a phenomenal teacher of the greatest game in the world and will now be showing everyone how he will overcome this obstacle. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. "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. 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.. She did radio analysis, and she called a few games on TV. Former NHL forward and coach Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Just the timing is what it is, and you have to make those decisions. 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. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. 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 think both sides certainly expected to get a contract done.". Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. You need that entering a rebuild, and theyre missing out. 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. I'm proud as heck. 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. [1], Olczyk grew up in Niles, Illinois and Palos Heights, Illinois and went to Brother Rice Catholic High School. Or do you want to spend your remaining time in the limelight youve always known? 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. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. Pat Foley (born 1954) is an American retired play-by-play commentator for ice hockey . That is what Im going to miss. I believe it was a God-given gift to play hockey. 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 would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. We appreciate his many . "I think we've gotten closer," Ricky said. Well. 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. If it was me, I would give her a shot. And the rumor mill started swirling. That he was a former draft pick made it that much more special to witness. On July 18, it was announced that beloved Chicago Blackhawks ' broadcaster Eddie Olczyk would leave the organization after serving 16 years as a color . But it was not meant to be. Honestly, more disappointed than surprised. Someone is seated inside the otherwise-empty restaurant, and Olczyk explains hes going into the other room to be interviewed. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. On Buzzlearn.com, Eddie is listed as a successful Hockey Player who was born in the year of 1966. The couple has four children namely Nick, Tom, Rick, and a daughter called Zandra. On May 5, 2014, EA Sports announced that "Eddie O" will provide color commentary for NHL 15 alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Ray Ferraro. This way, we dont have to associate his voice with whats to come. "We're very, very blessed. Among the three brothers, the family agrees that Nick is the best hockey player, second only to their father. The 55-year-old spent the past 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks as their TV color . Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. I had an incredible conversation with Rocky, met with him in person, as well as Danny and Jaime. Youd be hard-pressed to find anyone more loyal to the Hawks over the last 16 years than Eddie O, whether it be in the broadcast booth or in the community. The 18 game streak would remain a Toronto franchise record (tied with Darryl Sittler until being surpassed in December 2022 by Mitch Marner. Where Is Bryan Penn-Johnson from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? 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. He often traveled for NHL games and his work still leads him to travel across the country. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. Hell join the ROOT Sports booth alongside incumbent Kraken play-by-play voice John Forslund a former NBC Sports teammate on national broadcasts and analyst JT Brown. Follow. The team will be hard enough to watch. 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. [1] Career [ edit] Its impossible to replace legendary broadcasters like Olczyk, so its hard for anyone to live up to those expectations. And Olczyk is still awaiting a finalized national broadcast schedule from TNT before he knows which ROOT games hell do. "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. "[14], In October 2019, Olczyk released his autobiography, Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, in which he shares details of his fight with stage 3 colon cancer.[15]. His son Eddie was a Kraken amateur scout. Through their ups and downs, he was the voice of reason for Chicago and was one of the teams biggest ambassadors. Clearly, the Blackhawks are taking the concept of a rebuild to a whole new level. We just could not come to terms on a contract, and I have stepped away, Eddie Olczyk told the Sun-Times on Monday. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. And so, it was fully wanting to ask their permission, and we just took our time.. He got to see his old team and his good friend Troy Murray at the Blackhawks game in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche to begin the season, which felt good. Olczyk had talked to a lot of people since the news broke, but he hadnt really seen many Blackhawks personnel since then. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. He's been the lead hockey analyst for NBC Sports since 2007, working regularly with play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick. All Rights Reserved. The Blackhawks seem to like their in-house options such as Caley Chelios and Colby Cohen, and while I think both did well last season, theyre still relatively young and dont have the same credibility or voice of authority that Olczyk brings. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Later tied by Phil Kessel, the record would stand until being passed by Patrick Kane in 2015-16 season. 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. 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. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he fell in love with the game of hockey during an era when most kids preferred balls to pucks. He never anticipated last season would be his last with the organization. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. SUMMARY Thank you Eddie for all you have done for the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago, and best of luck on your newest adventure! He didnt elaborate on theirlove. He was born on August 16, 1966 and his birthplace is Chicago, United States. His travel is longer. He worked on the coaching staff of Niagara Universitys hockey team and is currently a coach at Bemidji State University, UMass. Its come so much quicker than I thought.. 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. The Olczyk family didnt have it easy when Eddie played in the NHL. Ricky had a few small professional hockey opportunities out of college, but decided against them. Their relationship has changed as adults. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. 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. 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. I never thought, to be completely honest, Id get 35 games last year, let alone one. And it all came to an end. 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 . She would take their sons to their hockey games and trips, carrying three bags of hockey gear, and tied their skates. From a broadcast standpoint, nothing has been different for Olczyk working for the Kraken. Will M's decision to stick with J.P. Crawford at shortstop pay off. 1 min read. Michelle Muscatello Leaving WPRI: Where Is the Rhode Island Meteorologist Going? Plus the fact that he always went out of his way to praise his partner, The great Pat Foley.Shucks, nobody calls me, The great Gail Kauchak!. He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? Eddie Olczyk's cancer battle was an extended family affair. They were hoping Eddie would be a bridge to that newness. Ill leave it at that. But the one thing well have is great conversation. Geoff Baker covers hockey and is a sports enterprise and investigative reporter for The Seattle Times. I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. Toward the end of this weeks interview, Olczyks son emerged from the Krakens offices to get his dad for a scheduled broadcast meeting. 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. Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for . As a youth, Olczyk played in the 1978 and 1979 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Chicago. [12], On August 8, 2017, Olczyk issued a statement through the Blackhawks to announce that he had been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer. 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). Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. With that, our Blackhawks team wanted to get together to reflect on this monumental change. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. In March 2018, Olczyk announced that he was officially "cancer-free". The loss of Olczyk in the broadcasting booth makes me very sad. 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. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you.