Alex Iafallo got his 2016 off to an encouraging start last Saturday night by figuring in on three goals -- including the game-winner -- in the University of Minnesota Duluth's 4-3 overtime triumph against the U.S. National Under-18 Team at AMSOIL Arena. Points, after all, were a bit hard to come by for the junior left winger from Eden, N.Y., during the first half of the regular season. Coming off back-to-back 20-plus point seasons, Iafallo managed just two goals and six assists in the opening 17 games of 2015-16, but he -- and the Bulldog coaching staff -- are hopeful that the three-assist night in that comeback exhibition win on Jan. 2 is a sign the reigning Stauber Brothers UMD Fan Favorite Award winner may have found his scoring grove again.
HIS FAVORITESOpponent: Minnesota
Opponent Arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Denver, Colo.
Professional Athlete: Mike Modano
Professional Team: Buffalo Bills
Pastime: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding
College Course: IT in Business
Prized Possession: My snowboard
TV Show: White Collar
Singer or Group: Kygo
Book (Author): Mind Gym (Gary Mack)
Food: Hot wings from The Towne House
Movie: MacGuber
Actor/Actress: Leonardo DiCaprio/Jennifer Aniston
Restaurant: Towne House
Vacation Spot: Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
Video Game: NHL Hitz 2002
Mobile App: GoPro App
Website: eBay
PERSONALLY SPEAKINGWhy I Chose UMD: The great community, staff and facilities.
First Played Competitive Hockey: When I was 4.
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My skating and speed/My one-timers
Game Day Ritual: I don't have any superstitions.
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Beating the Minnesota in the Northeast Regional semfinals last March.
Why I Wear No. 14: It was the best option.
Best Opposing Player I've Ever Faced: (Former Denver defenseman) Joey LaLeggia
Pet Peeve: Tests on Mondays
Biggest Fear: Life after college
My First Job (Age): As a stickhandling instructor (17)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Torstein Horgma
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I can do a back flip off a wall.
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would be able to fly.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My wallet
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Surfing
The Best Thing About College Hockey: Playing in front of the best fans and students.
Influences On My Athletic Career: My parents
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Have fun and never give up chasing your dreams.
Post-UMD Plans: Keep playing hockey somewhere
