Macari started skating a short
time after he start walking

BY ED WRIGHT
Jan. 19, 2010, 4:15 p.m.

  A short time after Mario Macari learned to steadily walk back in the early 1990s', his dad unwrapped the new set of ice skates.

  Mario took to the skating like a duck to water, proving that his father's passion for the sport of hockey was ingrained in his oldest son.

  Once the young Macari was handed a hockey stick, his career really took off, leading to top-tier travel team and

eventually the Salem High School hockey team, on which he currently serves as a high-scoring captain.

  Macari took five minutes out of his busy schedule earlier this week to talk to PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

  ED WRIGHT: When did you first start playing hockey?

  MARIO MACARI: Probably when I was about 2 or 3. My dad played hockey so I got into it through him. He made a it to Juniors, but that was about it.

  EW: What to you like about the sport?

  MM: It's a team sport and I like playing team sports. You can hit; I definitely like the physical part of the game. It's just a lot of fun.

  EW: Who have you learned the most about the game from?

  MM: I've learned a lot from our coach (Ryan Ossenmacher). My dad has coach be up to this point, so I've learned a lot from him, too. He still coaches my younger brother, who's going to be a good player.

  EW: Describe your game? What are you most proud of?

  MM:  I like to make plays and I like to hit and stuff. I try to do a little bit of everything, pretty much.

  EW: Who's on your line and how have you jelled this season?

  MM: I'm on a line with Josh Jarvela and Mark McGee. Me and Josh and have played on the same line the past three years, so we've been together a long time. We can find each other basically anywhere on the ice. We can read each other really good and we Mark, Josh and I play real well together as a line.

  EW: What's been the highlight of your high school career?

  MM: One doesn't really come to mind, although I scored three goals against Churchill.

  EW: What do you like about the high school game as opposed to travel hockey?

  MM: There are a lot of people at the game and it's just fun to play for your school.

  EW: Talk about how the intensity level rises when you play either Plymouth or Canton?

  MM: Everybody is definitely more focused before the game. It's a big rivalry, so everybody wants to play their best.

  EW: Are you going to play hockey after high school?

  MM: I hope to. I don't know of any offers yet, but I'm still hoping.