Despite being just one year removed from his debut collegiate season, Matt McKnight has already taken on the look of a grizzled veteran.

The sophomore center's leadership qualities certainly have been evident both on and off the ice this winter. Heading into the final weekend of the 2005-06 regular season, McKnight holds down the No. 3 spot on UMD's scoring charts with nine goals and 15 assists and 24 points -- all career highs -- while skating a regular shift in all 34 games to date. Earlier this year, McKnight was chosen as the Bulldogs' alternate team captain for the month of November, becoming in the process the first sophomore to fill any kind of UMD captaincy role since Tom Milani wore the \"A\" back in 1973-74.

HIS FAVORITES

Opponents: Minnesota

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

Road Trip: Denver, Colo.

Professional Athlete: Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

Professional Team: Edmonton Oilers

College Course: Beethoven to the Beatles

Pastime: Sports

Prized Possession: My Volkswagen

Movie: Braveheart

Book: Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr. Seuss)

Television Show: ESPN's Sports Center

Singer/Group: Kelly Clarkson

Food: Pasta

Restaurant: Perkins

Vacation Spot: Halkirk, Alberta

Web Site: www.d.umn.edu

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: The coaching staff and the legend of Bryan McGregor

First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 7

Hockey Strength/Weakness: My vision/My foot speed

Game Day Ritual: I take a nap

Most Memorable Hockey Moment: Winning the 2002-03 Alberta Junior Hockey League playoff title

Best Player I’ve Ever Played Against: Sydney Crosby (now with the Pittsburgh Penguins)

Pet Peeve: Jimmy's stories

My First Job: As a chicken chaser when I was six years old

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Tom Brady

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I am a drummer for the band, Photosynthesis

Biggest Fear: My VW Jetta breaking down

Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Speed, speed and speed

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself:

Nothing comes to mind

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My SPF 30

Influences On My Athletic Career: My parents

Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Cricket

Post-UMD Plans: I'd like to be a treasure hunter