Wolanin is a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.[citation needed] As a youth, he played in the 1980 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Paddock minor ice hockey team.\n', '

Wolanin played one season for the Compuware program recording eight goals, 42 assists and 86 penalty minutes, while helping the Compuware team win the Michigan AAA state hockey championship.[citation needed] Seeking competition and looking to improve his draft stock, Wolanin elected to play for the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Wolanin recorded five goals, 16 assists and 95 penalty minutes. Despite not being an offensive player, his defensive prowess made him a sought after prospect leading into the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.[citation needed]\n', '

Wolanin was selected third overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. Wolanin would make his NHL debut on 10 October 1985 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Upon making his NHL debut at 18 years and 2 months in the 1985-86 season, Wolanin became the youngest player in the history of the Scouts/Rockies/Devils franchise to make his debut. Wolanin played 44 games during his rookie season, recording two goals, 16 assists and 74 penalty minutes.\n', '

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