Jeff McFarland is living proof that hard work and diligence does pay off. The University of Minnesota Duluth junior center has used that sweat equity to earn a regular playing spot with the 2005-06 Bulldogs. One of nine Bulldogs who's played in all 26 games this winter, McFarland has contributed a career-high five points (all assists) to the UMD scoring coffers this winter and has received extensive playing time on the Bulldogs' penalty killing unit as well.

HIS FAVORITES

Opponents: Minnesota

Opponent Arena: Kohl Center (Wisconsin)

Road Trip: Madison, Wis.

Professional Athlete: Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)

Professional Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

College Course: Life and Death of the Dinosaurs

Pastime: Hanging out with the boys

Prized Possession: My Mitsubishi Galant

Movie: Meet the Fockers

Book: Every Second Counts (by Lance Armstrong)

Television Show: Family Guy

Singer/Group: Poison

Food: Steak

Restaurant: The Prime Quarter (Madison, Wis.)

Vacation Spot: The Bahamas

Web Site: www.epassporte.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: It was close to home

First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 4

Hockey Strength/Weakness: My hands/

My shot

Game Day Ritual: I take a pre-game nap

Most Memorable Hockey Moment: Going to the 2004 NCAA Frozen Four

Best Player I’ve Ever Played Against: (Former Minnesota Gopher) Paul Martin

Pet Peeve: Close talkers

My First Job: As a shutter boy at Metro Siding when I was 16 years old

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Muhammad Ali

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I’m double jointed

Biggest Fear: Failure

My Advice To An Aspiring Athlete: Never give up!

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I’d be taller

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My wallet

Influences On My Athletic Career: My family

Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Hunting

Post-UMD Plans: Move back home