Police search for missing 'Polish hammer' hockey star

Police issue photo: policja.pl

Oliwa, who played for a string of top American and Canadian teams, stands accused of attempting to extort a loan from a bank in Lodz, central Poland.

“The amount was 34,000 zloty (8155 euro),” revealed Krzysztof Kopania, a spokesman for the Lodz District Prosecutor's Office, in an interview with the TVN24 news channel.

Kopania clarified that the alleged crime took place in July 2009, and that Oliwa did not act independently, and that he worked with three other people.

The suspects could face eight years in prison, if found guilty.

Although Oliwa played with for leading teams such as the New Jersey Devils, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Calgary Flames, he was famed more for his toughness on the ice, than his skill with the puck.

Nicknamed “The Polish Hammer,” he was invariably cast as a so-called “enforcer,” a player who protects the top-scoring talents of his side.

Oliwa has also been involved in physical altercations outside the rink. In 2009, he used his fists to bring young Polish hockey players to order, after becoming fed up with noisy antics in a hotel room.

“I will not tolerate loutish behaviour from youngsters who have yet to make anything of their lives,” he explained. (nh/pg)