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. He expects to do about 45 Kraken games and probably another 50 NHL games, including the playoffs, with TNT. Seattle has become another home for Olczyk. Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Brad Johansen Leaving NBC4 Columbus: Where Is the Anchor Going? God bless! Blackhawks' Eddie Olczyk set to join Kraken's broadcast booth - USA TODAY Steele retired all six Padres batters he faced, then headed to the bullpen to throw 25 more pitches. But as a woman, Im probably a bit partial. Honestly, you could probably put Olczyk in any hockey TV booth around the league and hed be more than fine. That something new is the Seattle Kraken. Daughter Zandra, 20, is attending University of Alabama. He has more than earned the right to command whatever he wants as far as contracts go. 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. "Both my boys and my brother, and (general manager) Ronnie Francis, we. Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Jim Bay Former New York Ranger and NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk. His younger brother, Ricky Olczyk, also fell in love with the game. Eddie Olczyk joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast team as a television analyst Thursday. EDDIE OLCZYK - NBC Sports PressboxNBC Sports Pressbox Eddie Olczyk Biography - Married Bio Is Larry Elder Related to the Late Golf Legend, Lee Elder. Where Is Damani Whitlock from Last Chance U Season 2 Now? With reports indicating that Olczyk is heading to Seattle for the 2022-23 season, he obviously wasnt suffering for other opportunities. Ed Olczyk Position: C Shoots: Left 6-1 , 207lb (185cm, 93kg) Born: August 16 , 1966 (Age: 56-199d) in Chicago, Illinois us Draft: Chicago, 1st round (3rd overall), 1984 NHL Entry As Coach: 2 Yrs, 316418, 80 Pts. Chelios, well, I was impressed with ALL her commentary last season, of which she was trialed in all aspects. We . According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. He never anticipated last season would be his last with the organization. He had worked many national games with Forslund over the years, so there was immediate comfort there. Related: Blackhawks 4 Best Options to Replace Eddie Olczyk as TV Analyst. Sure, youre getting older, and the glory days might be more behind you than in front of you. Eddie Olczyk's survival guide reveals some harsh truths about hockey He wouldn't rule out the possibility of maybe the Inside The NBA guys playing a part in some broadcasts. Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis has known the Olczyk family for years. We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. He didnt elaborate on theirlove. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The Family Man. Im sure there will be a day where its pouring rain, and Ill call you, like, hey, its raining here, just so you know, and it hasnt stopped.. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame on February 22, 2013. 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. "It was a decision that I wrestled with for a while," Olczyk said on Unfiltered while talking to Pat Boyle. Eddie Olczyk: Son| illness| Where is tonight| Is sick| Health Olczyk took the high road by owning the decision to leave, but he didnt arrive at it alone. Send the video to friends and family and don't forget to capture their priceless reactions. 1 min read Blackhawks 'disappointed' with Eddie Olczyk's departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement. The boys have a lot of those traits. Of all the NHL transactions this offseason, one of the most unexpected was Olczyk leaving his hometown team and the Blackhawks broadcast after 16 seasons to join the Kraken. His tiring flight schedule throughout his career had an upside. He scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game on October 11, 1984, versus the Detroit Red Wings in Chicago Stadium against Greg Stefan. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. As time passed and Olczyk hadnt signed a new contract with the Blackhawks, there was the growing possibility he could become a free agent. We went to the bank and borrowed $675 and signed a promissory note so he could go on a hockey trip. Rather, we get to remember the calls that made celebrating their achievements that much more because he was part of sharing the good news. 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. Eddie Olczyk's return to the United Center 'an emotional time,' but he The Hawks have been undergoing turnover in seemingly every facet of business and hockey operations. . Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. As much as he never expected to leave the Blackhawks, the Kraken presented a perfect option. Its impossible to replace legendary broadcasters like Olczyk, so its hard for anyone to live up to those expectations. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. I want to make that perfectly clear this was my decision.". And now to have a full-time job as a broadcaster in the NHL, its unbelievable. Well, now two different voices. The record was broken by Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 201516 season. I believe it was a God-given gift to play hockey. Join host Nick Olczyk for exclusive interviews, analysis, and dispatches from the road. Blackhawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk bolts for Seattle Kraken after Hawks 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! Ed Olczyk diagnosed with colon cancer | CBC Sports What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. She made quite a name for herself as a player wife and mother. Im not confident that theyll find their permanent fit by next season. 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. Eddie Olczyk not returning to Blackhawks broadcasts - WGN-TV Regarding a replacement for Eddie, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic brought up the names of Patrick Sharp, Adam Burish, and Caley Chelios. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley and Olczyk worked together for 14 years, and they were always entertaining and informative. (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. NHL -- Eddie Olczyk and his familiy are living and loving the hockey life 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. CHICAGO (AP) Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. 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. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Absolutely. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Eddie skated, and a hockey family was born. The weathers been unbelievable, Olczyk said. Hes close friends with Kraken general manager Ron Francis. 1 Marriage 4 Children. I feel bad, but its hard not to do that.. Yet the Hawks paved the way for both of their exits, skewing younger and more social-media-savvy. And the one thing I guess Im proud and excited to say is that I dont. Eddie Olczyk is a big man. There was a contract on the table, but I have decided to step away. On July 11, 2012, Olczyk became the 16th Blackhawks player elected into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. This was Olczyk making his way through the Kraken Community Iceplex and watching the Krakens morning skate prior to joining John Forslund and J.T. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. Theres great disappointment, but this was my decision. 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. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. During the next season, he was traded back to the Winnipeg Jets for their fifth-round choice (who ended up being Alexei Vasiliev) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. The Hawks offered him one, but Olczyk decided it was time for him to leave. 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. him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. Health: Olzic released a statement via Blackhawks announcing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. And its OK to get that in there. Everything else is a bit of an adjustment. Eddie Olczyk Officially Joins the Seattle Kraken Broadcast Team Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. 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 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. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. He's a phenomenal teacher of the greatest game in the world and will now be showing everyone how he will overcome this obstacle. Lightning, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement regarding Eddie Olczyk's decision to leave the team as their color broadcaster and join the Seattle Kraken. 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. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. Everybodys saying, get ready, get ready, the rains coming, the rains coming. Im like, I dont know, maybe. 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. "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. I don't know why we're so deserving of these fortunes. He was hired by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007 as director of hockey administration and legal affairs, and eventually was promoted to assistant general manager. Olczyks son spent four seasons as a radio analyst on ECHL Indy Fuel broadcasts. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. I had one goal. There is something fun about being a pioneer, Leiweke said. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? Eddie Olczyk Family. Eddie Olczyk leaves Blackhawks broadcast, set to join Kraken - Yahoo! Im frustrated that the Blackhawks could not get a deal done, and Im sad because of what the team will miss. Midway through a radio broadcast last January, Nick made an emergency TV debut filling in for his dad, who was taken to a hospital with what turned out to be a minor illness. He then moved to Canada to play for the Stratford Cullitons junior team before joining the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. Ill leave it at that. CHICAGO Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. I never thought, to be completely honest, Id get 35 games last year, let alone one. We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. 1 min read. Eddie, we look up words like courage, grace, professionalism, family man; your picture shows up all over them. Eddie Olczyk - Playerswiki Eddie Olczyk discusses surviving colon cancer, return to booth - Sports He would have been honest, but also positive, about the new direction. Although the news is still shocking, the dust has settled after a few days. I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. I worked with the kids and stuff. On July 18, 2022, Olczyk left the Blackhawks following a contract dispute to join the broadcasting team for the Seattle Kraken. "Negotiations are hard," Olczyk said. Hockey is a tie that binds for Eddie Olczyk and his family 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. He was selected to repeat his duties alongside Emrick for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.[6]. But it was not meant to be. 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Toward the end of this weeks interview, Olczyks son emerged from the Krakens offices to get his dad for a scheduled broadcast meeting. Tommy Olczyk, the face of Penn State hockey I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. 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. Share. 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]. "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. After beating cancer, Eddie Olczyk continues the fight - USA TODAY Eddie Olczyk leaving Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth, expected to 204 ratings24 reviews. The root cause of. Source: Eddie Olczyk moving on from Blackhawks as color analyst after Over the past year, its been obvious the Blackhawks are trying to get younger in nearly all aspects of their organization, including the broadcast. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. At present, Rick is a colleague general administrator of the . 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. And then he started a 16-year long broadcasting journey with them in 2006. Ricky had a few small professional hockey opportunities out of college, but decided against them. The 55-year-old spent the past 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks as their TV color . Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. 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. in NHL history, Rangers, Bruins, other Beasts of the East feast on NHL trade deadline, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? But before the horse made it to the finish line, she suffered an injury. The couple now owns four thoroughbred horses and hes also a big advocate of the safety of the animals. This way, we dont have to associate his voice with whats to come. But if youre Olczyk, do you really want to do that?Just like with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. He owned a thoroughbred he named Diana O., after his wife. Nothing is said in exchange, and he carries on. 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. Eddie Olczyk was ready to give up. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. His son Eddie was a Kraken amateur scout. Thats just whatever. 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. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. Diana O. was in the lead at one point and it looked like she could win. Eddie Olczyk wiki, affair, married, Gay with age, height However, it took him a long time to return to loving horse racing again. He was traded again in 1990 to the Winnipeg Jets, with Mark Osborne for Dave Ellett and Paul Fenton. Ill walk in there as I always have and be proud of what Ive been able to do for the franchise over all these years. Stanley Cup Final: Former NY Ranger Eddie Olczyk compares 1994 Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to tell him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. All Rights Reserved. The Blackhawks teardown includes the TV booth. Eddie Olczyk. He's a fighter to the core and is going to beat this. [10] Olczyk's daughter Zandra attended the University of Alabama. Ed Olczyk is a member of NBC's Horse Racing coverage. Longtime analyst Eddie Olczyk will not return to the team. Beginning with the 200607 NHL season, Olczyk was the color commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks television broadcasts, partnering play-by-play announcer Pat Foley.

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