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That something new is the Seattle Kraken. He had worked many national games with Forslund over the years, so there was immediate comfort there. After that, he became one of the best color commentators in the sport. 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. Wed just lost our mom and it was always something Ricky and I had kind of talked about, Olczyk, a 16-year NHL veteran and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer, said over coffee this week at the Kraken Community Iceplex during a brief stopover in Seattle. Eddie III played in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Bloomington Thunder. He had also been working for NBC Sports Chicago behind the scenes. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. They already have had significant layoffs in the organization, and now with Foley and Olczyk off the payroll and a cost-saving rebuild underway they can save more. , but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. Zandra is a student at the University of Alabama. Theres great disappointment, but this was my decision. As a youth, Olczyk played in the 1978 and 1979 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Chicago. The yellow pamphlet was an invitation to learn how to skate at Ballard Sports Complex in Niles, Illinois. Eddie Olczyk Wife He married a beutiful woman called Diana Olczyk. But do you want to stick it out with a rebuilding club? 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 . Like the Blackhawks who seemed to always put competing at the forefront, Eddie led with passion in all he did for the franchise. In his NBC Sports horse racing debut on June 28, 2014, Olczyk correctly picked the longshot winner in both races on the $500,000 Gold Cup in the "Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In" telecast. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. "I guess I'm not, knowing the family and their background," Francis said. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. No one will ever be able to replace Edzo, but you need those traits for the lead analyst role. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. Eddie Olczyk was born on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. However, because we dont know what the conversations looked like, its hard to gauge what went into the decision entirely. In a lot of ways, all this seems very normal. But despite Rocky Wirtzs feelings for him, the Hawks drew a line with Olczyk. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Before he watched the late telecast of the race on TV, his wife called to. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. Olczyk is Chicago, just like Foley. SUMMARY 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. He's expected to work . 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. Next Up In Diana O. was in the lead at one point and it looked like she could win. 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. Thats an exciting opportunity for him, but it hurts and he will be missed. 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. However, it took him a long time to return to loving horse racing again. He wouldn't rule out the possibility of maybe the Inside The NBA guys playing a part in some broadcasts. He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. Former NHL forward and coach Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer. According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. For someone whos done so much not just for the Blackhawks but the Chicago community, it seems like the organization totally misread the room. But before the horse made it to the finish line, she suffered an injury. 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 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. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential . "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. 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., And with their family, was always Diana. They were hoping Eddie would be a bridge to that newness. Ultimately, fans will have a favourite or two by the seasons end, but I think it may still take a few years before anyone has the type of following that Foley and Olczyk were able to accumulate. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. (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. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks). Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. By: Caroline John - Published: August 9, 2017 at 10:20 am, Photo: Ronald Martinez / Staff/ Getty Images. 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. 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. He coached the Penguins for two seasons between 2003-05, going 31-64-10 with eight ties. 204 ratings24 reviews. But that had some major play in it.. But, he hopes you enjoyed his time in Chicago. Eddie Olczyk joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast team as a television analyst Thursday. [8], Olczyk and his wife, Diana, have three sons, all former hockey players, and one daughter. Not because its not possible, but more so because the void that Foley and Olczyk leave will be extremely difficult to fill. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Will M's decision to stick with J.P. Crawford at shortstop pay off. Eddie Olczyk believes that should be great for the network and the league. Nevertheless, he will always be a Blackhawk and will forever be part of the Chicago family. 1 min read Blackhawks 'disappointed' with Eddie Olczyk's departure originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement. It wasnt a secret he was due a new deal in the summer. Hell join the Krakens booth next season. But, now he's moving on. 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 Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. 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 went to a couple of Seattle Mariners games. Share. He never anticipated last season would be his last with the organization. This is my decision. 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 . And the one thing I guess Im proud and excited to say is that I dont. He didnt elaborate on theirlove story, but obviously, it worked out well for this longtime married couple. But, of course, both say thats a compliment. On behalf of the Writz family, thank you for what you do for us every day. 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. Eddie Olczyk. That he was a former draft pick made it that much more special to witness. Hell join the Krakens broadcast booth and continue as an analyst for TNT. Ricky has been the [family] captain and caretaker of my dad. Eddie Olczyk. 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. Its impossible to replace legendary broadcasters like Olczyk, so its hard for anyone to live up to those expectations. Their youngest son, Nick, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and plays for Colorado College. 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. 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. The Olczyk family didnt have it easy when Eddie played in the NHL. The two sides fit perfectly in that regard. Related: Olczyk Embodies Passion for Life, Hockey. Regarding a replacement for Eddie, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic brought up the names of Patrick Sharp, Adam Burish, and Caley Chelios. 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. Chris Riva Leaving FOX19 NOW: Where Is the Cincinnati Anchor Going? Im still trying my hardest to get up to speed with Chris Vosters. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. The team will be hard enough to watch. He scored 180 points in the first three seasons of his hockey career that he spent with the Blackhawks. And its OK to get that in there. [13] In March 2018, Olczyk announced that he was officially "cancer-free. Just the timing is what it is, and you have to make those decisions. 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. His son Nick discussed a TV studio analyst role with the Kraken and signed with the organization before his father did. Olczyk kept saying, It was time to step back. With his brother Ricky being the assistant general manager for the Kraken, Perhaps he just saw this new opportunity as a better way to go out than the slog that will probably be the Blackhawks for years to come. I never dreamed hed make it to the NHL this fast, and it was an unfortunate circumstance. In the past two years, he also has covered Triple Crown and other major horse racing events for NBC. Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. (/ o l t k /; born August 16, 1966) is an American former center in the National Hockey League for 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. 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. 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. Reviews. 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. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. Saying that tongue-in-cheek as I'm eating my heart out. He was teammates with Eddie and now works with Ricky, and Francis wasn't surprised the brothers each reached the NHL. Olczyk was born and raised in Chicago. And now to have a full-time job as a broadcaster in the NHL, its unbelievable. For a working-class family, that wasn't always easy. 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. This way, we dont have to associate his voice with whats to come. His first name is "Eddie" and his last name is . "I've always tied it somehow. Rather, we get to remember the calls that made celebrating their achievements that much more because he was part of sharing the good news. Is Najee Harris Related to Pittsburgh Steelers Legend, Franco Harris? Im sure going back will feel a little different, but its home. I mean that's just the reality of the world we live in. Olczyk said details for the planned three-man setup remain in flux. Thanks so much for this great birthday video . Theres negotiations, and we agreed to disagree, and everybody has moved on, he said. Of course, not knowing the details of the negotiation, its hard to gauge what that offer may or may not have looked like. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. That is what Im going to miss. Eddie Olczyk, Perry Lefko. Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. Im envious of his new colleagues in Seattle and all the people he will influence and mentor there, just like he did in Chicago. They're just good people and hardworking. Though I understand hes older than some of the teams current broadcasters, he is 100% worth keeping around, even in the worst of times. The 18 game streak would remain a Toronto franchise record (tied with Darryl Sittler until being surpassed in December 2022 by Mitch Marner. NHL trade tracker: Latest deals and grades, NHL trade grades: Sabres smartly buy low on Greenway, NHL trade deadline 2023: Fantasy hockey live reaction, Flyers GM: Red Wings nixed van Riemsdyk trade, Avs' Makar OK'd to return 2nd time from protocol, Wild acquire defenseman Klingberg from Ducks, Sabres add size up front, get Greenway from Wild, Penguins acquire defenseman Kulikov from Ducks, Sources: No discipline for Watson hit on Motte, Surging Bruins fastest to 100 pts. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. The success the Olczyk family has had in the sport can largely be credited to the sacrifices Diana and her husband, Ed, made early in Eddie's career. Among the three brothers, the family agrees that Nick is the best hockey player, second only to their father. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. Its certainly unique, Ricky said. "How ironic," Olczyk said . 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.. Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. "I remember times when my mom would drive me in the car with my gear," Eddie said. No matter where they lived, the boys didnt let go of their hockey dreams. That's as far as I'm gonna go on that. My dad is the strongest person I know. 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. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. First, he hit on Majestic . "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. Olczyk, now a sportscaster for NHL and NBC, takes readers through his life and career with insights from coaches, teammates, and family members (after being traded . 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. The loss of Olczyk in the broadcasting booth makes me very sad. Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family." Olczyk, a Chicago native who was drafted by the Blackhawks third overall in 1984, has been . All Rights Reserved. It was a thrill for me to see both sons be so good and successful. The facts are simple. The boys have a lot of those traits. My plan, full honesty, was then to make the jump to the American League for five years and then have 10 years in the minors and then maybe get a chance in the NHL. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. However, I feel like that may not be a realistic possibility, considering the teams apparent youth movement. He took a break from his broadcast activities and is currently receiving treatment. Everyone's schedule had to be in sync to get to practices on time. Olczyk feels the same. Everything else is a bit of an adjustment. "For 16 seasons, we were fortunate to have legendary broadcaster Eddie Olczyk bring Chicago Blackhawks hockey into the homes of our fans. 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. He truly became the face of the franchise with Foley, and they are what made people feel at home when watching games. Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. 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. Later tied by Phil Kessel, the record would stand until being passed by Patrick Kane in 2015-16 season. Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This was my decision' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago. Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley was forced out after last season, the team traded star winger Alex DeBrincat on draft day and now Olczyk is departing. According to a source, the Hawks would not give him the same contract length that the Kraken did. Olczyk was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team and was a No. Before leaving to join Team Israel, Cubs prospect Matt Mervis shared why this WBC means so much to him. My heart breaks for his family, former colleagues and every player who was lucky enough to call him their coach. When Nick had expressed an interest in broadcasting after his college career, Olczyk encouraged him to seek opportunities anywhere he could. Ricky looked up to his older brother throughout Eddie's hockey ascension and began dedicating himself to the sport as well. (Scott Powers / The Athletic). Eddie Olczyk and Diana Olczyks family live and breathe hockey. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. Eddie Olszyk Jr., the son of former NHL forward and NBC Sports hockey analyst Eddie Olszyk, released the following statement on Twitter Thursday, in response to the countless messages the family received after his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. Eddie Olczyk was ready to give up. But, with the attention surrounding the story, he couldn't help but clear the air. His deal expired after last season. The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. But I dont see that happening for a long time. Olczyk still doesnt want to get too into why he passed on the Blackhawks contract offer and ultimately left the team. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". Now, I completely respect Olczyks decision to step aside, especially if the two sides were not willing to come to an agreement. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. 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. 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). God bless! 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. Thats a fact. 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. So, Ive always admired that. The wrong time for another loss, as the Bulls were now two games out of a play-in spot. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. He wanted theopportunity to join the winners circle with Diana O. one day. I always wanted to have my job combine my two loves -- hockey and law -- eventually. Because there are a couple of times over the years where I was doing a lot of games, maybe doing like five in six (days), and I think I called Doc (Emrick) Pat (Foley) and Pat, Doc.