In recent years, the small city of Pittsburgh has been producing top NCAA Ice-Hockey talent in both DI and DIII. Recently I have caught up with a number of these former and current players to get their take on some the various aspects of College Hockey, and see why Pittsburgh is being mentioned in the same breath as Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Michigan, despite just being small city in western PA.

In Part 1 of “Pittsburgh and College Hockey”, I spoke with a name that may be very familiar to the casual NHL fan. Eddie Olczyk, son of… Eddie Olczyk. Edzo has a very interesting story in college hockey. Having played Division I in one of the best conferences in college hockey, and then moving to Division III as an assistant coach and coaching at one of the best atmospheres in College Hockey. Not a lot of players/coaches have ties in both Division I and Division III. Also, he has strong family ties in what seems like every conference the NCAA offers.

Eddie played his puck at UMass-Amherst in Hockey East, and now coaches at Utica College in the ECAC-West.

(Division III Atmospheres that Rival Division I)

Eddie was born in Illinois, but moved to Pittsburgh while his father was playing for the Penguins. Growing up in Pittsburgh allowed for Eddie to play local AAA and High School Hockey, honing his skills before going off to the USHL.

Having played against him in high school, I was always a fan of how Edzo played the game, very smart and confident, while still leaving just enough space for creativity if need be. Then attending a DIII school just up the street from where Eddie was playing DI, allowed me to take in his game at the College level on a number of occasions in the Mullins Center. I didn’t see him make too many mistakes between the blue lines, he always seemed to get the puck out, and he back checked with intention, not just to do it. He played the grinder splendidly for the Minuteman.

Here’s Eddie:

1. Eddie, How are you?

“I’m doing well. Our team (Utica) just came off a big win against Manhattanville this past weekend. Our team is rolling right now after a little bit of a slow start. We’re 7-1-2 in our last ten, so we are trying to ride the wave.”

2. You played your College Hockey in Hockey East for the storied Minutemen of UMass-Amherst. Tell us a little about your 4 years in New England.

“Playing at UMass-Amherst was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in my life. I’ve met some of my best friends while playing there. The faculty and staff, coaches, equipment managers, athletic trainers, and students are the reason UMass was such an amazing place to play. We’d play against BU or BC at home at the Mullins and we’d have 8,000 people pack the rink. It’s safe to say there was no pulse check needed for my teammates and I on those nights. In my mind, Hockey East is the greatest conference in all of college hockey… the all around atmosphere that surrounds the entire conference is unparalleled.”

3. How did it come about, you coaching at DIII Utica?

“This past summer I was back home in Chicago training to try to get a try out somewhere to play in the minors again, until I received a call from Gary Heenan. He was in need of a new assistant coach, and was wondering if I was interested in taking the position. After making one of the toughest decisions of my life, and hanging up the skates, I wholeheartedly took him up on his offer.”

4. This is your first year transitioning from Professional Hockey player, back to the NCAA as an assistant coach. What has that Transition been like for you?

“A bit of an adjustment at first. I’d get on the ice for practice and I’d almost have to remind myself that I’m coaching now, and I’m not just one of the guys. My entire career I was a penalty killing forward, and my role with Utica is running the defensemen and powerplay, so that was a big adjustment.”

5. Having played against Utica at the “Aud” a few times, I can honestly say it one of the best atmospheres in all of College Hockey. What does playing in an arena like the “AUD” every week provide for you and the Pioneers?

“I can honestly say that The Aud is one of the greatest atmospheres, not just in college hockey, but in all of hockey. Utica is without a doubt a hockey city. We know players will want to come and play here when they come for a visit and watch one of our games, that’s a no-brainer. Recruiting wise, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our loyal fans.”