Patience may indeed be a virtue, but for Austyn Young, it's also been a necessity during the better part of his University of Minnesota Duluth hockey career.  The junior right winger from South St. Paul, Minn., product was juggled in and out (more out) of the Bulldog lineup during his first two seasons of collegiate competition and came into this year with just 25 lifetime games tucked under his belt. But with hard work, determination and yes, a little bit of patience, Young appears to have secured a regular playing spot in 2014-15 and in 12 outings has a two goals (including his first collegiate game-winner) and one assist while going a +1.

Young and the No. 9-ranked Bulldogs will pay a visit to Houghton, Mich., this Friday and Saturday night for a pair of non-conference showdowns with No. 4 Michigan Tech University. That just happens to be the alma mater of Austyn's father, John Young (1989-93), who currently ranks fourth on the Huskies' all-time charts for scoring and second for assists.

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Minnesota
Opponent Arena: Mariucci Arena (Minnesota)
Road Trip: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Professional Athlete: Patrick Kane
Professional Team: Minnesota Wild
College Course: Intro. to Africa
Pastime: Playing golf with my family and friends
Prized Possession: My phone
Book (Author): Lone Survivor (Marcus Luttrell)
Television Show: Ink Master
Actor/Actress: Bradley Cooper/Jennifer Aniston
Movie: Happy Gilmore
Singer/Group: Florida Georgia Line
Food: Anything Mexican
Restaurant: Teresa's (Lakeville, Minn.)
Video Game: Call of Duty
Mobile App: Twitter
Vacation Spot: Florida
Web Site: nhl.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Why I Chose UMD: I grew up watching the Bulldogs and knew they had a first-class organization.
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 5
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My skating/My backhand shot
Game Day Ritual: I take a pregame nap, drink some coffee and then head down to the rink.
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Scoring my first collegiate goal against Western Michigan
Best Player I've Ever Faced: (Former Notre Dame center) Anders Lee
Pet Peeve: When people step on the back of my shoes.
Biggest Fear: Bees
First Job (Age): Produce worker (14)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Patrick Kane
Why I Wear No. 23: It was the best number available when I came to UMD.
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I'm ambidextrous.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My cell phone
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would be a genius.
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Surfing
Influences on My Athletic Career: My father
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The excitement of playing two big games every weekend.
My Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Work hard all the time because you never know who's watching.
Post-UMD Plans: Continue to play hockey.