Former Blackhawks center Eddie Olczyk will be enshrined in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. A former third overall pick of the 1984 draft by Chicago, Olczyk played 16 years in the NHL spanning six teams — Chicago Blackhawks (1984-87, 1998-2000), Toronto Maple Leafs (1987-1991), Winnipeg Jets (1991-1992, 1995-1996), New York Rangers (1992-1995), Los Angeles Kings (1996) and Pittsburgh penguins (1996-1998).
Olczyk’s career reached its peak in 1994 when he skated as a member of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. In addition to his NHL accomplishments, Olczyk represented the USA as a member of the 1984 Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo. Also, in 1991, he helped Team USA to a second-place finish in the Canada Cup.
After a short stint as the Pittsburgh Penguins head coach from 2003-05, Olczyk started his broadcasting career in 2006-07 as the game analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks television broadcasts. Olczyk is also the lead game analyst for NHL on NBC and the NHL on NBC Sports Network.
Olczyk has two sons playing hockey. Eddie plays for the UMass Minutemen, and Tom plays for the Penn State Icers. His younger brother, Rick Olczyk, is a former hockey player for Brown University and currently an assistant general manager for the Edmonton Oilers.
Lou Lamoriello and Mike Modano join Eddie Olczyk as members of the 2012 Hall of Fame class.
Congratulations to Olczyk on a great playing career and his continued influence on the game!