The native of Kenora, Ontario, played junior in Port Arthur with the Flyers and North Star. He turned pro in 1954-55 with the Troy Bruins of the IHL and scored 31 goals for them the next season. When he was called up to the Wings, Olson was in the midst of a fine run in the Western League. In 1957 he was named the top rookie in the WHL Coast Division and the next year scored 3o goals for Seattle and Victoria.

Olson also played in the EPHL but settled down in the AHL before retiring in 1965. In 1960-61 he finished as the co-leader with 10 points during the Calder Cup playoffs. Along the way he recorded four straight 20-goal seasons for the Springfield Indians. Olson also helped Springfield win consecutive Calder Cups in 1961 and 1962 and was the top scorer in the postseason during the first of these triumphs.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame