JAMES “WHITEY” KROLEWSKI

Whitey

Age: 44
Married to Patricia (they met working at the Como)
Two children – James and Gina
Residence – North Tonawanda, NY
Occupation – Owner Buffalo/Niagara Physical Therapy

DNC.com caught up with Whitey for this segment of “Where Are They Now”. We encourage you to send in suggestions for future profiles.

DNC.com: When Did You First Start Playing Hockey?

Whitey: I learned to ice skate on Gill Creek. My first pair of hockey skates were Langes. I had never played organized hockey before 9th grade so this was a huge step for me to go out for the team.

DNC.com: What Are Your Most Vivid Memories of Playing Hockey at NC?

Whitey:  Practice.

On my very first varsity practice, Dick (Nolan) made us do a bunch of suicide sprints at the end. I was standing next to Jimmy DiBellonia, and I think John Salada was there, too. I remember DiBellonia’s eyes rolling to the back of his head and he passed out. They brought him to the bench and they revived him there.

During practice, Dick would chase me up and down the ice and whack me with his stick to get me going. I couldn’t stop well on both sides, so he was always on me to skate hard.

And then there was the time I was our Emergency goaltender after Paul Tucker got knocked unconscious by Mark Girasole from La Salle. We never had a backup goalie, so I had to go into LaSalle’s dressing room and put on their backup goalie’s pads. They did get a couple in on me.

DNC.com: You Still Play The Game Today. How Often and Why?

Whitey: In the winter, I play twice a week and in the summer once a week. As for why, it’s the ball-busting/mental health aspect, and the exercise. And the beer afterwards.

DNC.com: Favorite Hockey Player Of All Time?

Whitey: I was always goaltender in street hockey so I’d have to say Don Edwards from the Sabres.

DNC.com: Last Year At The Alumni Game, Scott Dunn Cheap Shotted You Into The Boards. Any Plans To Retaliate?

Whitey: Keep your head up, Scottie!