No Blur Eddie Olczyk

The first time I met former NHL player Eddie Olczyk, the picture we took turned out blurry. I don't know how that happened, since we were already in the digital age by then. Maybe I didn't check it quick enough.

I got a second chance at a photo with Olczyk at the Midwest Sports Buffet. I've written several times about the Midwest Sports Buffet and I highly encourage any collector in the area to attend it. Along with dozens of vendors, there usually are a few former athletes appearing. It's a smaller show, but it's a great one.

Olczyk played 16 seasons in the NHL with six teams, including two stints with the Chicago Blackhawks. He won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and also coached them a few years later.

Olczyk has battled colon cancer, but announced himself cancer-free in 2018. Olczyk looks great and said he feels just as good. He looks even better in this clear picture!

Eddie Olczyk and me in Bridgeview, IL-June 2024.

Friendly Encounters: Eddie Olczyk and Scott Bridges

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Scott Bridges is co-owner of Bridges Scoreboard, a great sports bar/restaurant in Griffith, Indiana. Locates very close to my dad's home, it is a regular dining and sports-watching spot for my dad and me.

In addition to great food, a friendly staff and a fun atmosphere, Bridges Scoreboard occasionally brings in athletes for meet and greets. These events are better than the usual athlete appearance. Most guest athletes arrive early, stay late and give everyone special time and attention.

The pandemic disrupted everything, but Bridges Scoreboard is still open. Hopefully in 2021, athlete apearances will return, too.
Go to BridgesScoreboard.com for more info. Also, check the Bridges Scoreboard Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Eddie Olczyk and Scott Bridges in Griffith, IN-January 2020.

Friendly Encounters: Eddie Olczyk, Pat Foley and Jason Fleigel

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Out of all of my friends, Jason Fleigel is probably the biggest hockey fan.  What he lacks in trivial knowledge, he makes up for in current knowledge and passion.

He is my "go-to" guy for assistance when I cover the Rockford IceHogs.  Who better to bring than hockey boy?

Recently, Jason has been on a hockey roll.  Earlier in the year, we met Blackhawks legend Dirk Graham at an IceHogs game.  More recently, he met his heor Martin Brodeur at a Chcago Wolves game.  He also met broadcasters Eddie Olczyk (also a Blackhawks legend) and Pat Foley.  That's quite a Blackhawks threesome right there.

I am proud that Jason was able to control himself when meeting them.  Knowing Jason, I can understand how difficult it had to have been.

Eddie Olczyk, Jason Fleigel and Pat Foley in Schaumburg, IL-Winter 2015.

Autograph Tales:Eddie Olczyk

Eddie Olczyk was born in Chicago and played on the 1983-84 US Olympic hockey team. That team had a tough act to follow, which was the 'Miracle on Ice'. Then, Olczyk joined his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. This would be tough, too.
A lot was expected from the local kid. He was a good player, but the Hawks of that era needed a lot more than him. Olczyk lasted 3 seasons in Chicago, before being traded to Toronto.
Olczyk ended up having a solid 16 year career, including a return to Chicago, splitting his last 2 seasons between the Wolves and the Blackhawks.
During Olczyk's first season with the Hawks, I wrote to him. At the time, he did not have a hockey card, but what he sent back was much cooler.
Olczyk took the time to hand-write a nice note on regular paper. He apologized for taking so long to reply and he thanked me for the support. This was such a classy thing to do, especially for an young player on the rise. Olczyk is a good guy and I had a lot of enjoyment following his career and listening to him broadcasting!