So far, so good.

After being away from any on-ice warfare for nearly two seasons, Ryan Geris decided last spring to return to the University of Minnesota Duluth program for his final collegiate go-around. The senior defenseman, who was beset with concussion-related injuries in both 2003-04 and 2004-05, sat out all of last year after announcing his departure from the game the previous year.

It didn't take long for Geris, who is affectionately known by his puckmates as \"Gramps\" (he turned 25 this past August), to make himself feel back at home this season. After picking up an assist in UMD's 8-1 exhibition game victory over Lakehead University, he scored once in the Bulldogs' 2006-07 season opener UMass-Lowell one week later and set up another goal the following evening.

HIS FAVORITES

Opponent: North Dakota

Opponent Arena: National Hockey Center (St. Cloud State)

Road Trip: Denver, Colo.

Professional Athlete: Kirby Puckett

Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings

College Course: Astrophysics

Pastime: Watching college football

Prized Possession: My cell phone

Movie: Back to the Future

Book: You: The Owners Manual (by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz

Television Show: 24

Singer/Group: Tim McGraw

Food: Filet mignon

Restaurant: Ruth Crisp

Vacation Spot: Las Vegas

Web Site:startribune.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: The coaching staff

First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 5

Hockey Strength/Weakness: My wisdom/My old age

Game Day Ritual: I get to the rink at around 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and hang out

Most Memorable Hockey Moment:Winning the 2002 Clark Cup Championship (USHL Playoffs)

Best Player I’ve Ever Played Against: (Former Minnesota Gopher) Thomas Vanek

Pet Peeve: Liars

My First Job: Working at a golf driving range when I was 13 years old

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Jack Bauers

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I am trying to grow a mustache

Biggest Fear: Dying

Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself:

I would be 16 again

Influences on My Athletic Career: My parents

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My cell phone

Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Lacrosse

Post-UMD Plans: I’ll just see where this year takes me