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"Mr. High School Sports" - Canevin's Unger Learned from the Best--Literally

By Matt Popchock

(mpopchock@kdka.com)

It's remarkable for a freshman not only to make the varsity squad at a successful hockey school, but also to make an immediate impact. Bishop Canevin sophomore forward Randy Unger did that at the winningest Class AA program in Pennsylvania history, which is even more remarkable.

Despite missing much of the Penguins Cup Final and all of the Pennsylvania Cup Final after sustaining a legal hit from behind, Unger was integral in helping the Crusaders end two long championship dry spells with his performance in the 2010-11 PIHL regular season and playoffs.

Of course, any incoming freshman can learn a lot when Mario Lemieux is his coach.

Yes, you read that correctly. Unger currently juggles ice time between the Crusaders and the Pittsburgh Hornets amateur team, but before playing at the high school level, he played for two different travel teams, and with both he was under "le tutelage" of "Le Magnifique."

I recently had a chance to talk with Unger about what it was like to play for Mario. Go to the 17:15 mark of this video, courtesy of my friends at the PIHL Network and Rubino Productions, to hear what he had to say.

Keep reading the "Mr. High School Sports" blog for more stories from the rink, and continuing coverage of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League!

(Follow the PIHL on Facebook: facebook.com/PIHLweb)

(Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/mpopchock)

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