With veteran coach leading way, Shaler hockey determined to go on playoff run

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 11:01 AM

The Shaler hockey team started building a solid foundation last season. When the Titans brought in a new coach, they added a name that knows how to win on the PIHL level.

Steve Meyers came on board as the Titans’ new coach this season. Meyers previously had a long tenure with Mars, guiding the Planets to several Class A Penguins Cups.

Shaler goalie Shane Ciganik said that having a veteran coach on the bench has paid big dividends for the Titans.

Shaler is 10-3-0-1 this season and in third place in Class A.

“He brings a lot of knowledge and experience,” Ciganik siad. “All the drills and things he runs in practice are top notch. He knows what’s going to happen. He knows the people from other teams and what power play they are going to run.”

Shaler taking the next step forward makes a lot of sense, in part because the Titans return a lot of experienced players from last year. Shaler made the PIHL Penguins Cup playoffs for the first time since 2018 and beat North Catholic in the first round before being eliminated by Greensburg Salem.

The Titans have outscored their opposition 93-43 so far this season.

“I think it’s good,” Ciganik said. “If we go down one, we don’t get rattled and stick to our game. There are ebbs and flows to the game. We want to (fight) back after a goal and push forward. We know we’ll get the next one.”

Heading into a game with Greensburg Salem on Jan. 18, Shaler was on a two-game winning streak.

The Titans have played well from the season’s outset, winning their first seven games.

Jacob Kunc leads the team with 17 goals, while Chase Irwin (12 goals) and Matthew Stelitano (10) have scored 10 or more goals.

Kunc has done well setting up his teammates, handing out 13 assists. Irwin leads the team with 14 assists, while Jacob Skerlong has dished out 11.

Shaler is focused on getting everything geared up for a long run in the Penguins Cup playoffs, going deeper into the tournament than last season. Shaler has a few strong defensive pairs that can help the team prevent opponents from scoring.

“I think our defense has been great,” Ciganik said. “Our pairs played a lot together last year. Their being in rhythm together this year helped. They are great at taking shots to the outside. They are physical too. They do a good job blocking shots.”

Tags: Shaler