Olczyk Honored With USHL Curt Hammer Award

Press Release

The United States Hockey League that Sioux City Musketeers forward Tommy Olczyk has been named the 2010-11 recipient of the USHL Curt Hammer Award.

The Curt Hammer Award has been presented annually since the 1988-89 season in honor of the late Curt Hammer, and recognizes the USHL player who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, pride, and determination. The award is given in memory of the late Curt Hammer, who served as president of the Des Moines Buccaneers for three seasons (1984-87) and also held the role of secretary for the USHL.

Olczyk recently completed his fourth season in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers and had his best season offensively as he collected 19 points (10g, 9a) while playing in all 60 regular season games. It was the second consecutive season that the reliable forward took the ice for every regular season contest. Over his four seasons in the USHL, he suited up for 205 games and tallied 60 points (25g, 35a). Olczyk, 20, helped guide the Musketeers to the Clark Cup Playoffs this year as they won nine of their final 10 games to reach the postseason for the first time since 2008 – the rookie season for Olczyk. He recently committed to continue his academic and hockey career at Penn State University which will begin NCAA Division I play in the 2012-13 season.

The native of Long Grove, Illinois was an alternate captain for the Musketeers this season after wearing the "C" on his uniform in 2009-10. His leadership was felt on the ice, in the locker room, and throughout the community during his time in Sioux City, especially this season as the club welcomed 17 new players to begin the season. Olczyk has played a significant role in the team's signature fund raising event, "Face Off for Charity." The annual dinner event involves Musketeers players serving as waiters and competing for the highest amount of tips. This season marked the second time that Olczyk has collected the largest amount of tips among the Musketeers as he set a new record with $1,200 earned for charity. During the event, he also addressed the large crowd by reading an account from one of the children at the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services, the benefactor of "Face Off for Charity."

Olczyk quickly became a fan favorite during his USHL career. One of the charitable items auctioned by the team each season is "30 Minutes of Ice Time with a Musketeer." The winner of the auction in each of the past three seasons has chosen Olczyk, and he has graciously and eagerly spent the 30 minutes of ice time teaching skills to a young hockey player one-one-one.

The Musketeers captain has also made more school appearances in the Sioux City area than any other player. At the appearances, Olczyk has read to young students, spoken to entire classrooms, and provided encouragement to children in the community. The Musketeers organization has leaned on him to be an important voice for the club, recognizing his ability to effectively speak to people. That has been frequently on display during countless interviews with television, radio, and newspaper outlets that Olczyk has conducted during both hockey and community events.

"Tommy Olczyk represents everything we want the USHL to stand for," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "He had a significant impact on and off the ice and will be a valuable piece to help start what will quickly be one of the most important NCAA Division I programs in the United States. Having the name 'Olczyk' on your back carries with it a certain special set of responsibilities and he has done that with grace and made a name for himself. We can only hope that we have helped him as much in his hockey career as he has helped not just us, but his community during his time in the USHL. Congratulations to one of our best."

Hammer, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community until succumbing to cancer in 1987, was one of the founders Hart-Hammer, Inc., a commercial heating and air conditioning ventilation equipment sales firm. The company still operates today providing extensive sales and engineering support in Iowa, Nebraska, and western Illinois. The award was established to honor his commitment to the League and the perseverance he displayed in continuing his work through hockey while battling the illness.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)