Of the 500-plus players who have ever worn a University of Minnesota Duluth hockey sweater, only 61 have sported one with a \"C\" on it for a full season.

But current UMD captain Matt McKnight belongs to an even more exclusive group. The senior center is one of just seven Bulldogs who has held a team captaincy role for two (or more) seasons -- and the first to do so in some 29 years. That, in itself, speaks volumes about McKnight's character and his \"take-charge\" attitude, both on and off the ice.

McKnight, who is UMD's nominee for the 2007-08 Western Collegiate Hockey Association Student-Athlete of the Year Award (he will graduate in May with a degree in organizational management), made in an immediate impact with the UMD hockey program upon his arrival in the Twin Ports back in 2004 and since that time has racked up more points, goals, and assists than any other current Bulldogs. He's also established himself as one of college hockey's most proficient penalty killers and has equaled a career high with two shorthanded goals already this season.

HIS FAVORITES

Opponent: Minnesota

Opponent Arena: Kohl Center (Wisconsin)

Road Trip: Madison, Wis.

Professional Athlete: Derek Jeter

Professional Team: Edmonton Oilers

College Course: Strategic Management

Pastime: Watching TV

Prized Possession: My Volkswagen Jetta

Book (Author: It's Not About the Bike (Lance Armstrong)

Television Show: Hockey Night in Canada

Movie: Bravehart

Singer/Group: Simon and Garfunkel

Food: Chicken and pasta

Actor/Actress: Jim Carrey/Rachal McAdams

Restaurant: Perkins

Vacation Spot: Cancun

Web Site: www.tsn.ca

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: Because it's the Harvard of the Midwest in my opinion

First Played Competitive Hockey: At age 4

Hockey Strength/Weakness: My on-ice vision/My foot speed

Game Day Ritual: I take a nap

Most Memorable Hockey Moment: Finishing second at the 2003 Royal Bank Cup (Canadian National Junior A Championships)

Best Player I’ve Ever Played Against: Sidney Crosby

Pet Peeve: Andrew Carroll and all his rituals

My First Job: Helping my dad on our ranch

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Tom Brady

What Most People Don't Know About Me: My hometown has about 50 residents

Most Significant Historical Event In My Lifetime: 9-11

Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Have fun

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would work as hard as Alex Stalock does in the weight room

Influences on My Athletic Career: My parents

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My underwear

Sport I'd Like to Try But Never Have: Cricket

One Person I Wouldn’t Mind Being Stranded on a Deserted Island With: Drew Akins (because he is so smart he would save us)

Post-UMD Plans: Play professional hockey somewhere