Goalie Shannon headlines Baldwin hockey all-stars

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, January 18, 2019 | 7:42 PM

Baldwin goaltender Cole Shannon has been a fixture at the PIHL all-star showcase event.

Shannon, a senior, recently was selected to play in his third consecutive all-star game.

The four-game showcase will take place Jan. 27 at Robert Morris Island Sports Complex on Neville Island.

“This year was especially the most meaningful since Baldwin isn’t at the top of the standings,” Shannon said. “Making it this year showed that other coaches noticed my hard work throughout the season, as well as my own coach.

“It is always an honor to be able to play with the top players in the league and very fun to meet players from around the Pittsburgh area. Making the all-star game has always been a goal throughout high school, and I am lucky enough to have accomplished that several times.”

Shannon will be joined by teammate Paul Zmuda at this year’s all-star event.

In PIHL action, Baldwin has won three games in a row and is 6-6-1 in the Class AA Southeast Division. Latrobe (11-3) leads the division, followed by Upper St. Clair (10-1-2), Hempfield (9-4) and Franklin Regional (7-5-2). Penn-Trafford (6-7) is in fifth place, ahead of Plum (3-8-2).

The Highlanders defeated Shaler, 5-2, Latrobe, 4-3, and Penn-Trafford, 5-3, in their three-game winning streak.

Shannon has a 5-6-1 record with a 3.06 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. He has one shutout.

“Cole is one of the most technically sound goaltenders in the PIHL,” coach Justin Glock said. “Along with all other aspects of goaltending, he’s worked really hard to improve with his goaltending coach (Steven Switzer) this season, and the work has paid off. His confidence continues to rise, and that carries over to the rest of our team.

“His stats have dramatically improved since the beginning of the season as his numbers will show. He’s a game-changer for our team, and has the ability to win or keep us in every game.”

A four-year starter at Baldwin, Shannon competed for the Predators U18 AAA amateur hockey team in the offseason.

Zmuda is a junior and multiple-year starter and has developed into a team leader in the Highlanders’ defensive corps. He also is an offensive force as he leads the team in scoring with seven goals and eight assists.

“Paul is one of the best all-around defenseman in the PIHL,” Glock said. “He’s versatile and can provide anything the team needs. He obviously has the ability to score, leading our team in points. We can play Paul against another team’s top scorers, and he has shown the ability to shut down some of our opponents’ top forwards.

“He can also play a physical game and is very good at taking the body and standing other players up while defending. He’s become a leader for our team.”

Zmuda was honored as the PIHL Class AA Player of the Month for November. The Pittsburgh Penguins recognized Zmuda on the ice during their Dec. 20 game at PPG Paints Arena.

The Baldwin all-stars will compete in the Class AA game at 4 p.m., which will be followed by the Class AAA game at 6 p.m. The Division II game will open things up at noon, and the Class A game will start at 2 p.m.

All four contests can be heard on the TribLive High School Sports Network.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin