Former Utica assistant coach Eddie Olczyk Jr. has been named an assistant coach at Niagara.
Olczyk replaces Pat Oliveto, who left for a job with the HarborCenter in August.
“I am extremely pleased to announce that Eddie Olczyk has agreed to join our staff and program at Niagara,” Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder said in a statement. “It was an easy decision once we were able to meet during the interview process. He comes from a great hockey family and enjoyed a good playing career in juniors and at UMass. His experience most recently at Utica College as an assistant coach made him the perfect candidate and fit for us. He is going to be a huge asset and resource for our student-athletes.”
Olczyk is the son of former NHL player and coach and current “NHL on NBC” analyst Eddie Olczyk.
At Utica, Olczyk assisted with all facets of the program, including daily practice plans, team strategy and player development. He served as the team’s head scout and recruiting coordinator, oversaw defensemen and the power play that was ranked in the top 10 in the nation. He also dissected game film, created strength and conditioning workouts and organized team community service activities.
“I am extremely honored for the opportunity to join the Niagara University staff,” added Olczyk. “David Burkholder and [assistant coach] Tim Madsen are two excellent coaches who I am eager to learn from and work alongside. I look forward to building upon the great tradition here at Niagara, helping our student-athletes become better players and people, and bringing championships back to the city of Lewiston. Thank you Coach [Gary] Heenan and Utica College for allowing me to begin my coaching career.”
Prior to Utica, Olczyk played for the Bloomington Thunder of the Southern Professional Hockey League during the 2013-14 season where he played in 54 games. Olczyk was a four-year letter winner at UMass from 2009 to 2013. He saw action in 85 games, earned Hockey East All-Academic Team recognition in 2010 and was named to the 2013 Ledyard National Bank Classic All-Tournament Team.
