The dreaded sophomore slump has cursed many a collegiate athlete, but
Neal Pionk certainly isn't one of them.
The Hermantown, Minn., product debuted in style with the 2015-16 Bulldogs, racking up 17 points -- the second most of any National Collegiate Hockey Conference defensemen on his way to being voted UMD's Rookie of the Year.
This season, Pionk has picked up right where he left off as he currently ranks fourth among all NCAA I blueliners in plus-minus rating (a UMD-leading +15) and has racked up more goals (five) than all but one NCHC point man. Pionk, a fixture in the Bulldog lineup for 62 straight games going back to the 2015-16 opener, also has already set career highs for points (18), goals (five) and power play tallies (three). In addition, he owns the distinction of being the only Bulldog to receive an NCHC Player of the Week honor twice in 2016-17 (Defenseman of the Week on both Oct. 10 and Dec. 12).
HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Minnesota
Opponent Arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Oxford, Ohio
Professional Athlete: Dustin Pedroias
Professional Team: Minnesota Wild
College Course: Intro. to Business
Pastime: Fishing
Prized Possession: My first collegiate goal puck
Book (Author): Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer)
Television Show: The Office
Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell/Blake Lively
Movie: Tommy Boy
Singer/Group: Zach Brown Band
Food: Coconut Shrimp
Restaurant: Joe's Crab Shack
Video Game: Mario Kart Wii
Vacation Spot: Palm Springs, Calif.
Mobile App: Instagram
UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: Being from nearby Hermantown, it was always a dream of mine to play for UMD.
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 5
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My competitiveness/My hand skills
Game Day Ritual: I take a pre-game nap and tape two sticks prior to the game.
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Beating Providence College in double overtime in last year's NCAA Tournament.
Best Player I've Ever Faced: (Former University of Denver forward) Danton Heinen
Pet Peeve: Adam Johnson's daily attitude
Biggest Fear: Raccoons
First Job (Age): Working for Pionk Sodding and Landscaping (15).
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Brian Rafalski
Why I Wear No. 4: Of the choices I had (4,16,25 or 39), it was the best option.
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I have never scored an overtime goal at any level of hockey -- that counts in the stats.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My wallet.
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd be taller.
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Water polo
Influences on My Athletic Career: My mom and dad.
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The game-night atmosphere
My Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Outwork the competition and prove people wrong!
Post-UMD Plans: Continue playing hockey
