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Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life
Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. 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. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old, and four months later he was drafted in the first round by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. During an illustrious 16-year career, he played for and alongside some of the greatest franchises and players in history, winning a Stanley Cup with the unforgettable 1994 New York Rangers. Years later, he coached former teammate Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby on the Pittsburgh Penguins before transitioning into the broadcast booth, where he has become one of the most recognizable voices of the sport. He then combined his skills as an analyst with his second passion— horse racing—and became an integral part of NBC’s coverage of thoroughbreds.
Away from the spotlight, Olczyk and his wife of three decades raised four adoring children. He was respected and admired by fans, friends, and peers. Life was sweet. Then, at 7:07 pm on August 4, 2017, his entire world turned upside down.
In Eddie Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, one of the biggest names in American hockey has written an inspiring and entertaining memoir of his life both on and off the ice. From shooting hundreds of tennis balls at a goal in his childhood living room to the ups and downs of his improbable hockey career to rollicking stories from the booth and the backstretch, Olczyk guides readers on his journey toward his ultimate a battle against Stage 3 colon cancer. For years, Olczyk’s goal was to be the best husband, father, broadcaster, and handicapper he could be. Today he has a new to bring as much awareness and support to those fighting cancer as he possibly can. In this emotional but often hilarious autobiography, you’ll learn why the people who know Eddie Olczyk best might describe him as “tremendously tremendous.”
Away from the spotlight, Olczyk and his wife of three decades raised four adoring children. He was respected and admired by fans, friends, and peers. Life was sweet. Then, at 7:07 pm on August 4, 2017, his entire world turned upside down.
In Eddie Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, one of the biggest names in American hockey has written an inspiring and entertaining memoir of his life both on and off the ice. From shooting hundreds of tennis balls at a goal in his childhood living room to the ups and downs of his improbable hockey career to rollicking stories from the booth and the backstretch, Olczyk guides readers on his journey toward his ultimate a battle against Stage 3 colon cancer. For years, Olczyk’s goal was to be the best husband, father, broadcaster, and handicapper he could be. Today he has a new to bring as much awareness and support to those fighting cancer as he possibly can. In this emotional but often hilarious autobiography, you’ll learn why the people who know Eddie Olczyk best might describe him as “tremendously tremendous.”
336 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2019
26 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 10, 2020
Great, inspirational book. A bit much on horse racing/betting.
September 20, 2020
Honest and inspiring...contrary to the adage, in this case nice guys do finish first. In his own words, with deft assistance from Perry Lefko, Eddie Olczyk (Edzo, as many of us call him) shares his journey on the ice, on the mic, at the racetrack and in life, finding his most formidable opponent in the form of stage 3 colon cancer and as has been his style in most things, figures out how to win. In straightforward, no nonsense language very much the opposite of preachy, Edzo and Lefko tell a heartfelt true life story enjoyable even to a non sports fan that reminds the reader to appreciate life's gifts, roll with the punches and savor the moments that are "tremendously tremendous".
November 29, 2019
If there was ever a nice guy to cheer for, former National Hockey league star Eddie Olczyk is that man.
Eddie's autobiography, "Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life", written with award winning Toronto writer Perry Lefko, holds nothing back when he talks about his fight with colon cancer. The book, in fact, begins with the chapter "The Call" which came in August 2017, a call that would change his life forever.
It had been a pretty exciting life up until that point. Eddie was a natural on the ice, a 'rink rat' who at the young age of 17 played for the 1984 US Olympic Hockey team. He was drafted by his home team, the Chicago Blackhawks and lived a boyhood dream.
Eddie's hockey career took him to several cities, including Toronto, and it was there that he scored 42 goals and became one of the most popular Maple Leaf players in decades. He was on the Stanley Cup winning New York Rangers in 1994.
A polite, disciplined family man, Eddie also had a love for racehorses and dabbled in horse ownership. He also has an incredible skill of handicapping races.
After 16 years playing, Eddie coached the Pittsburgh Penguins, including the great Mario Lemieux and then found another calling in front of a TV camera.
You could tell by listening to his colour commentary for hockey games in Chicago and for major horse races for NBC that his passion for 'pucks and ponies' ran deep.
When he was struck down by the terrible news that he had Stage 3 colon cancer, this energetic, happy man almost gave up.
But through support from family, including his four children and wide Diana, and zillions of friends, Eddie made it through six months of chemo and was declared cancer in 2018.
"Beating the Odds' is a poignant, often exciting and funny and a heartfelt story of a good man who now has a message to send.
He has said that cancer will never be out of his life and hopes that he can, through his work, appearances and this book, help others be proactive about cancer detection and support those who too are fighting the disease.
It is a wonderful read.
Eddie's autobiography, "Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life", written with award winning Toronto writer Perry Lefko, holds nothing back when he talks about his fight with colon cancer. The book, in fact, begins with the chapter "The Call" which came in August 2017, a call that would change his life forever.
It had been a pretty exciting life up until that point. Eddie was a natural on the ice, a 'rink rat' who at the young age of 17 played for the 1984 US Olympic Hockey team. He was drafted by his home team, the Chicago Blackhawks and lived a boyhood dream.
Eddie's hockey career took him to several cities, including Toronto, and it was there that he scored 42 goals and became one of the most popular Maple Leaf players in decades. He was on the Stanley Cup winning New York Rangers in 1994.
A polite, disciplined family man, Eddie also had a love for racehorses and dabbled in horse ownership. He also has an incredible skill of handicapping races.
After 16 years playing, Eddie coached the Pittsburgh Penguins, including the great Mario Lemieux and then found another calling in front of a TV camera.
You could tell by listening to his colour commentary for hockey games in Chicago and for major horse races for NBC that his passion for 'pucks and ponies' ran deep.
When he was struck down by the terrible news that he had Stage 3 colon cancer, this energetic, happy man almost gave up.
But through support from family, including his four children and wide Diana, and zillions of friends, Eddie made it through six months of chemo and was declared cancer in 2018.
"Beating the Odds' is a poignant, often exciting and funny and a heartfelt story of a good man who now has a message to send.
He has said that cancer will never be out of his life and hopes that he can, through his work, appearances and this book, help others be proactive about cancer detection and support those who too are fighting the disease.
It is a wonderful read.
January 26, 2020
Although I am not a ”die hard” hockey fan, I was interested in reading this book because I knew Eddie Olczyk as the teacher in his first grade class. This easy to read book tells his story in his own words
(with the help of Perry Lefko), and tells the amazing story of his life until now. Growing up, loving hockey, he devoted his life to the sport, while at the same time devoting his life to his extended family. This book tells about his ups, his downs, his struggle and ultimate victory over cancer, and shows how he became the remarkable person that he is today.
(with the help of Perry Lefko), and tells the amazing story of his life until now. Growing up, loving hockey, he devoted his life to the sport, while at the same time devoting his life to his extended family. This book tells about his ups, his downs, his struggle and ultimate victory over cancer, and shows how he became the remarkable person that he is today.
October 13, 2020
An enjoyable, fun, and illuminating read into the career and life of one of hockey's best individuals. Olczyk goes over his career, the ups and downs, and importantly highlights his battle with cancer and the inspiration his battle can and does provide. A personal, yet instructional, read to remind us to never give up and be there for those around us.
March 24, 2020
Must read for hockey fans
Powerful story of Eddie O’s life in hockey and his bigger battle fighting and beating cancer. Written with a nice balance of hockey and life and insight into the power of family to get through tough times. Loved the stories at the racetrack as well. It was a “tremendously tremendous” read !
Powerful story of Eddie O’s life in hockey and his bigger battle fighting and beating cancer. Written with a nice balance of hockey and life and insight into the power of family to get through tough times. Loved the stories at the racetrack as well. It was a “tremendously tremendous” read !
April 18, 2020
A wonderful read! I would want any parent anywhere, sports fans or not, to read this book. It is an emotional read and would like anyone pursuing a life in any direction to read this book. I felt it was an open book of his life and admire his determination in any of his life's crossroads. He is truly an inspiration.
May 27, 2020
So well done. And Eddie’s voice and passion truly comes out. He’s such a likable person when he’s broadcasting and you can’t help but adore him. This book is the same. He’s so down to earth and a fighter. Congrats on winning the battle with cancer, Eddie! Cheering you on always!
January 9, 2020
Awesome book, what a life journey. He has more to give.
January 20, 2020
If you are a Blackhawks fan, you are an Eddie O fan. Such a great guy. Loved learning more about his early time in hockey.
March 17, 2020
A fast, easy and interesting read.
Olczyk impressed me during his tenure with the Penguins (both as a player and a coach), but this impressed me even more.
Olczyk impressed me during his tenure with the Penguins (both as a player and a coach), but this impressed me even more.
August 29, 2020
If you're a fan of hockey, the ponies, and/or Edzo, you will likely enjoy this stroll down memory lane.
December 19, 2020
Great book, love Eddie O!
December 9, 2021
I love the Blackhawks so this was great insight into a monumental individual who is still playing a big role for the team.
January 7, 2021
I have met Eddie Olczyk three times and each time he didn't hurry us and took time to listen and talk with us and and take pictures. In fact one of the times was to get my book autographed. We asked if he could make it out to my favorite fun couple, he laughed and said you guys look like you are, so that's what he wrote. I was sorry to finish the book as I felt like I was right with Eddie living through him in his hockey, broadcasting, love of horses and fight for his life. What a wonderful down to earth and kind human being. If there were more Eddies in this world it would be a much more peaceful place. The book is a must read for everyone.
March 2, 2021
A great read for die hard Blackhawks fans from the 80s and 90s. It’s well written, and a nice trip down memory lane for some great hockey moments from those years. Edzo played over 1000 games in the NHL, and at the time, was one of only seven players to score 30 goals in five consecutive seasons. It’s a shame that he (and Steve Larmer) got his only cup with NYR instead of the Hawks! PS Edzo confirms what a lot of us think and feel about Mike Keenan as well.
October 19, 2020
Excellent writing and even better story. I found this book to be inspirational and entertaining. The blurbs from all the people who were involved in Eddie's story made it even more real. Would love to meet Edzo one day and shake his hand. Great job!
July 12, 2022
great read of a great nhl player and very detailed about his cancer diagnosis and fight one of my favorite players really proud his name is on the stanley cup with the 1994 new york rangers loved the heave-ho saying and not have to hear 1940 ever again
May 24, 2023
Solid memoir of former Chicago Blackhawk player turned announcer, cancer survivor. Straightforward. Easy read. Enjoyed quotes from family, colleagues -- on and off the ice, fellow commentators, etc. Love his positivity and outlook on life.
December 28, 2020
Very good book. A bit too much horse racing stories for my liking. Still great insight abs perspective.
April 17, 2021
Great autobiography for any sports fan.
June 28, 2021
Simply excellent. Brought back a lot of good memories as well as some interesting information that I didn’t know.
September 3, 2021
Excellent book! Eddie Olczyk has had many great moments in his life, but also many challenges, including fighting cancer.
September 21, 2021
Good read, learned a little about hockey, a LOT about horse racing. Thank you Edzo for sharing your battle with the big C.
September 29, 2022
2.5 stars. Good story, I especially loved the bits towards the end of the Hawks I grew up on (2010s) but the writing was so redundant and difficult to get through.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews