On a recent rainy Wednesday afternoon, I sat down with Moon Area senior defenseman and captain Shane Handlovitch.
Like most kids who play at the high school level, he started playing hockey when he was 6-7 years old. He credits his older brother for introducing him to the sport. Shane is a stay at home defenseman and will rush the puck whenever he has an open spot or lane. But he’d rather throw his weight and block shots. He’s been with the team since his freshman year, and they’ve been great and memorable for him. This season he’s added the title of captain. “Being the captain is a big responsibility,” he said. “You have to get the team motivated before every game, keep everything positive and keep a level head.” Just like any other hockey player from any other team or league, Handlovitch has his pre-game routine. “I warm up on my own for a bit and then we warm up as a team by playing soccer. Get dressed and listen to music in the locker room,” he said. Handlovitch also plays for the Pittsburgh Predators triple A team. His season got off to an unexpected start when he suffered a concussion. He said it was a difficult road but managed to get through with some rest and recovery. “It started out with a lot of rest until I was able to skate again,” he said. “The first time I tried skating, it was bothering my head, so I had to take more time off just to rest. By the end it took me three to four practices just before I got cleared for contact and then another practice or two after getting cleared to come back and play.” Handlovitch is optimistic about the team this season and thinks the Tigers should set their sights high. “I want the team to win the championship this year,” he said. “It’s been something we’ve been looking for every year but got knocked out in the first round; but with this group of guys, we will at least be able to move to the championship round with also a good chance of winning.” Handlovitch is considering playing for the Islanders Hockey Club in Boston or a team in the North American Hockey League to play in Juniors. He’s also considering and speaking with a coach from Kent State University.
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