You won't find a more down-to-earth, accessible guy than Eddie Olczyk - former player, and now broadcaster, for the Chicago Blackhawks. I had the good fortune of briefly working on a project with Eddie "O" about a decade ago, and he was one of the kindest, and most generous individuals with his time.

Olczyk and the Blackhawks organization announced the sad news yesterday that he is being treated for colon cancer. A tumor has been removed and he is working towards returning to the broadcast booth in time for the start of the Blackhawks 2017-18 season.

Eddie spent 16 years in the NHL, and remains a popular figure with Blackhawk fans after years of broadcasting games with Pat Foley. The Illinois native is a huge supporter of junior hockey, often providing updates on USHL news during NHL broadcasts.

Olczyk is also an equestrian aficionado who can be seen on NBC broadcasts of the Triple Crown races each spring.

The Blackhawks drafted Eddie in 1984 where he played three season, before moving on to Toronto and Winnipeg. He won a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994.

Eddie has a few Iowa connections as well. His three sons, Eddie III, Nick and Tom have played for the Waterloo Black Hawks and Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.

Blackhawks fans wish Eddie "O" the best during his recovery.

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