Combining exceptional offensive skills with an unwavering work ethic (\"He skates every shift like it's his last,\" says one National Hockey League scout) has made Mason Raymond one of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's marquee talents. Since the start of the New Year, the sophomore left wing has been simply sizzling, racking up 16 points over the last eight games to move up to the No. 4 spot on the WCHA scoring charts. In addition, Raymond also paces the WCHA in both total assists (23) and power play points (22).



HIS FAVORITES

Opponent: Minnesota

Opponent Arena: Kohl Center (Wisconsin)

Road Trip: Madison, Wis.

Professional Athlete: Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche)

Professional Team: Calgary Flames

College Course: Coaching Methods

Pastime: Hunting

Prized Possession: My truck

Movie: Mission Impossible III

Book: Hockey Tough (Saul Miller)

Television Show: Anything on the Outdoor Channel

Singer/Group: George Strait

Food: Steak

Restaurant: Joey Tomato's

Vacation Spot: Windermere, British Columbia

Web Site: www.tsn.ca

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: The location of the school and a chance to play in the WCHA

First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 5

Hockey Strength/Weakness: My speed/My strength

Game Day Ritual: Nothing special

Most Memorable Hockey Moment: Winning the 2005 AJHL playoff championship

Best Player I’ve Ever Played Against: Dion Phaneuf (now with the Calgary Flames)

Pet Peeve: Lazy people

My First Job: Working at home on the farm when I was a young kid

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Joe Sakic

Biggest Fear: Grizzly bears

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I love to hunt

Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Never give up and remember to always have fun!

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself:

I'd be stronger

Influences on My Athletic Career: Boris Rybalka and my family

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My cell phone

Sport I'd Like to Try But Never Have: None that I know of

Post-UMD Plans: Play professional hockey