A familiar face in the world of hockey will be joining NBC for their coverage of the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Eddie Olczyk, the main NHL analyst for NBC Sports, is also a noted horse racing enthusiast and will serve as a handicapper for the upcoming event. In fact, he’ll play a role in NBC’s full Triple Crown coverage this year.

Olczyk is no stranger to NBC’s horse racing coverage as he previously served in the role during the 2014 Breeders’ Cup and the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” which aired on NBC and NBCSN. Last June, Olcyzk correctly picked longshot winners in both races.

Olcyzk on his upcoming role:

“There’s nothing like hockey and horses at this time of year. After working on NBC Sports Group’s horse racing coverage last summer through Breeders’ Cup, I’m thrilled to join the team for the Triple Crown season.”

Rob Hyland, Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group, discussed the new appointment for Olcyzk:

“Eddie’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for the sport of horse racing is infectious. We are happy that what started out as a labor of love for him has turned into a regular role on our horse racing telecasts, which are the premier events in the sport.”

As you might imagine, Olcyzk’s schedule is about to get pretty crowded with his NHL and horse racing responsibilities. Between April 15th and May 2nd, he’ll serve as an analyst for at least six hockey games and he’ll be the handicapper for up to 19 races NBC Sports is covering.

About David Rogers

Editor for The Comeback and Contributing Editor for Awful Announcing. Lover of hockey, soccer and all things pop culture.

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