Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Latrobe’s Jacob Hannah

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, March 4, 2024 | 11:54 AM

As most hockey fans are aware, Pittsburgh Penguins great Jaromir Jagr had his No. 68 jersey retired by the organization Feb. 18.

One Latrobe IceCat was glad to see it go up in the rafters alongside Mario Lemieux’s 66 and Michel Briere’s 21.

“Watching him get his number retired shows how big an influence he was, and he certainly has affected me,” said Jacob Hannah, who also wears No. 68.

“I just loved watching him play. I picked it when I was 8 and kept it ever since.”

Hannah has done well to represent the number, finishing second in points for Latrobe with 11 goals and 18 assists. The center also was named PIHL Player of the Month for December.

“He’s been hitting his stride, especially the second half of this season,” first-year coach Adam Ferguson said. “He’s unselfish with the puck but can still find ways to bury it in the net.”

Hannah takes pride in his work in the faceoff circle and knows how important that part of the game is. He also has a knack for scoring when the team needs him the most.

“He just has that clutch gene,” Ferguson said. “In big-time moments, he’s the guy you want out on the ice. His ability to finish is really impressive. If he has the puck in the slot, nine times out of 10, it’s going in.”

Ferguson also added that Hannah does the little things, including blocking shots on the penalty kill. Hannah’s hard work and leadership are part of why Latrobe is third in Class 2A with a 13-6 record (26 points) and is poised to go far in the Penguins Cup playoffs.

“South Fayette eliminated us in the semis last year and after we lost 14 seniors, no one was giving us a chance this year,” Hannah said. “We want to get back to the semis, at least, this year and right now, it’s looking promising.”

After the Penguins Cup, the IceCats will head off to Philadelphia, where they have been invited to high school nationals March 20-24. When that is finished, Jacob’s traveling team, the Allegheny Badgers, will head to their nationals tournament April 3-7.

Hannah took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What was it like adjusting to a new coach and his system?

Moving from one coach to another can be difficult, but with the help of the guys and Coach Ferguson trying to be involved with as much as he could, it definitely made it easier.

Has your role changed in any way?

I’ve tried to take on more of a leadership role. Tried to help coach the younger guys and help them along. It was important to step in and help fill the holes left by the 14 seniors that graduated last year.

What can you say about the on-ice chemistry between you and freshman Joe Crimboli?

We’re friends on and off the ice. I grew up watching him play with my brother, who is also a freshman. He’s a great player to play with. From day one, it clicked with us.

What is the team going to need to do to be successful in the playoffs?

Keep playing the way we have been. Obviously, we want to look past the game against Norwin on Feb. 19 that we lost 6-3. We were playing great hockey before that game, and we just need to stick with our strong forecheck. If the Norwin game taught us anything, it’s that our backchecking needs improvement.

What sort of energy do you bring to the team?

I have my serious moments, like when you’re in the game, you want to win. That’s when the serious side comes out. But during practice or warmups, I always try to have fun and keep it loose.

College plans?

I’m looking to attend Penn State Behrend to study electrical engineering and minoring in accounting. I’ve been talking with their hockey coach, and I’m probably going to play on the team.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Dying my hair the last three seasons for playoffs. The semifinal game against South Fayette last year is a close second.

A fact about yourself that would surprise people to know?

I’m big into clay target shooting.

One piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before graduating?

Cherish every moment. You’re going to wish you got out of high school faster than what you are, but you want to wish that time would slow down.

Tags: Latrobe