Episode #75 - Eddie Olczyk

This week on the Next Shift Hockey podcast we are joined by legend of the game and one of the biggest names in hockey, Eddie Olczyk.

The Chicago native was selected 3rd overall in the 1984 NHL entry draft by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks and played 16 NHL seasons that included a Stanley Cup championship with the 1994 New York Rangers and totaled 342 goals + 452 assists for 794 points in 1,031 games. Additionally, Olczyk represented USA 9 times on the international stage during his career. 

After hanging up the skates, Olczyk joined FSN Pittsburgh as a color commentator for the Penguins and in 2003 he would move from the booth to behind the bench where he served as the head coach of the Penguins.  After coaching a young Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux at the end of his career, Edzo would return back to television which would lead to his current role as the lead analyst for the NHL on Turner Sports.

We chatted with Eddie about joining the NHL on Turner Sports and why he’s excited about the upcoming 2021-22 NHL season, his book “Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life”, his inspiring battle over cancer, and lastly Edzo takes us on the “elevator of life”. Thank you for coming on the show, Eddie Olczyk!