Former Phantoms hockey player arrested for shoplifting

VINELAND – A former professional hockey player within the Philadelphia Flyers organization was arrested in Vineland Thursday for allegedly trying to steal a dimmer switch from Home Depot.

Frank Bialowas, 44, of Williamstown, was charged with shoplifting after he was reportedly observed concealing a $54 dimmer switch, "to avoid paying for it," according to a police report.

Bialowas, of the 1600 block of New Brooklyn Road in Williamstown, was processed and released on a summons.

Bialowas was known in the hockey world as "The Animal" for his tenacious on-ice personality. He spent three seasons with the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate The Philadelphia Phantoms, first in 1996 through the 1998 season and then again for the remainder of the 1998-1999 season.

Bialowas was part of the 1998 Phantoms team that captured the Calder Cup, the championship for the AHL.

The scrappy winger known — and revered — in Philadelphia for his willingness to fight, suited up for just four NHL games, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1993-1994 season. He started his pro career in 1991 and played his final professional game in 2006.

Bialowas occasionally plays for the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni team in charity games.

In 2005, Bialowas was inducted into the Phantoms Hall of Fame.