Editors note: Avalanche reporter Adrian Dater and photographer John Leyba help readers get to know one of the teams players on a deeper level every other Sunday. Leybas photographs complement a conversation with Dater about life, work and play.
Avalanche rookie standout Wojtek Wolski is a Polish-born youngster living the American dream. After showing glimpses of his talent in abbreviated play during the 2005-06 season, Wolski has proven he deserves to play in hockeys highest league this season. At 21, Wolski offers hope for better days ahead for Avs fans.
Dater: You recently moved into the same building with rookie teammate Paul Stastny, but into your own place. What would I find if I opened your refrigerator this second?
Wolski: A lot of fluids. A few fruit smoothies. A lot of yogurt, and a lot of apples and oranges. Thats about it. Oh, and a lot of pizzas. The pizzas are more for my friends. I dont eat them much. Mostly for my buddies who might fly down (from Toronto, near Wolskis parents home).
Dater: You get a lot of buddies flying down from Toronto?
Wolski: Yeah, every once in a while. Every two to three weeks, some might come down. Ive got a pretty close-knit group of friends, guys I went to high school with.
Dater: You guys play a lot of video games together? I know thats your generations deal video games.
Wolski: Yeah, well right now theres a lot of PSP going on soccer, poker, stuff like that.
Dater: Whats PSP?
Wolski: Portable play stations (laughs). But right now, (Stastny) and I have moved on to Madden 07.
Dater: You two have a battle going on, I take it?
Wolski: Yeah, right now we do. He likes it a lot. I dont know if I do. Im more of a War, Duty, shooting kind of guy. We only played once last night, but he won with two seconds to go. I was furious.
Dater: You two seem pretty competitive with one another. Do you have a little wager or something going on, about who will be the scoring champ on this team between you two this year?
Wolski: I dont think so. Were both doing well, were both happy were getting goals and points. But were both more focused on wins right now. Its not fun when youre not winning. Its not easy to sleep, and its pretty stressful stuff when youre not winning. When you are, it seems like the best time of your life. We just want to get back to that.
Dater: You played in the YoungStars Game in Dallas. What are some of the memories?
Wolski: I had two of my buddies fly down and my agent was there, and we hung out. My agent is good friends with Joe Thorntons brother, so we had a big group hanging out. Hung out a lot with Joe and Cuba a little bit there.
Dater: Cuba?
Wolski: Cuba Gooding Jr. Hes a big hockey fan. Ive met him a few times in L.A., playing hockey. I spent a summer there once, and got to know him a little.
Dater: I heard you met Garth Brooks, too.
Wolski: Yeah, I met him again (last Sunday in Dallas). I had a few pictures taken with him. My friends were like, Is that really Garth?
Dater: So, I take it Garth is high on your list of artists you listen to?
Wolski: I dont know about high on my list. With me, its more like anything thats high on the hit lists and on the radio a lot. A little hip-hop, some country.
Dater: How about TV shows? Stastnys got his list of must-see programs, what about you?
Wolski: Right now, I love Prison Break. And I bought season one of 24 yesterday.
Dater: In 2005, right before the NHL draft, you were rated as high as No. 5 on scouts lists before being involved in an incident at a house party in Ontario that led to assault charges. The charges were dropped, but you slipped to No. 21 to the Avalanche. That had to be a tough time for you.
Wolski: Yes, it was. But things worked out. I think Im more aware now when I go places. If something happens, you learn to get out of the situation. You stay clear of any people who are too loud or stuff like that. Im glad I ended up here though. The Avalanche were always my favorite team growing up.
The Wolski file
- 6-feet-3, 200 pounds
- Born: Feb. 24, 1986
- Name is pronounced VOY-teck WOHL-skee.
- Born in Zabrze, Poland; his family moved to Berlin when he was 2.
- Colorados first selection (21st overall) in 2004 draft.
- Has 18 goals and 30 assists in 57 games this season.
