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Thursday, June 12, 2003

Up Close: Eddie Olczyk

Born: Aug. 16, 1966

Hometown: Chicago

Education: Brother Rice High School, Chicago

Playing career: In 16 NHL seasons with Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Jets, Rangers, Kings, Penguins and Blackhawks again, had 342 goals, 452 assists in 1,031 games. ... Spent parts of two seasons, 1996-98, with Penguins after being acquired from Kings for Glen Murray and had 15 goals, 18 assists in 68 games. ... Known as sharpshooter, converting 13.3 percent of shots on goal. ... Reached 30 goals five times, including career-best 42 with Maple Leafs in 1987-88. ... Was member of Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup championship team but played sparingly. ... Third player taken in '84 NHL Entry Draft, behind Mario Lemieux and Kirk Muller, selected by hometown Blackhawks. ... Represented United States in several international competitions, including '84 Olympics.

Coaching career: Worked with teams of boys ages 15-16 in Chicago this past winter but never at any other level.

Miscellaneous: Worked as color analyst alongside Mike Lange on the Penguins' broadcasts for three years. ... Also has called games for NHL and ESPN radio and television networks, including recent Stanley Cup final. ... Passionate and knowledgeable horse-racing fan. ... He and wife Diane have four children: Eddie, Tommy, Nicholas and Alexandra. ... Has lived in Chicago while working as broadcaster in Pittsburgh but is planning to move here this summer.