One week after helping the U.S. claim a bronze medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships, Riley Tufte returned to the University of Minnesota Duluth lineup last Friday and picked up right were he left off. The sophomore left winger scored two goals (for the second time in as many games with the Bulldogs) and added two assists for the first four-point night of his collegiate career as UMD took down Colorado College 6-5.

The 6-6, 220-pound Tufte, who in June 2016 became the fourth UMD product ever to go in the first round of the NHL Draft, is the only 2017-18 Bulldog to date to eclipse the double-digit plateau for goals (he has a personal-high 10 on the year). He also tops the club in both shots (69) and is second in shooting percentage (.145).
 
HIS FAVORITES:
Opponent: Minnesota
Opponent Arena: Ralph Engelstad Area (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Denver, Colo.
Professional Athlete: Alex Iafallo (Los Angeles Kings)
Professional Team: Minnesota Twins
College Course: Public Speaking
Pastime: Relaxing at the lake
Prized Possession: My phone
Book (Author): Mind Gym (Gary Mack)
Television Show: Last Chance U. 
Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell/Mila Kunis
Movie: Miracle on Ice
Singer/Group: Eric Church
Food: Tater Tot hot dish
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Video Game: Mario Kart
Vacation Spot: Florida
Mobile App: Twitter

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: The school and the city -- and UMD has the best fans in college hockey.
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 6
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My skating/My transition game
Game Day Ritual: I'm not very superstitious 
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Playing in the NCAA national championship game last April.
Best Player I've Ever Faced: (Former University of Denver defenseman) Will Butcher
Pet Peeve: People who Snapchat entire concerts
Biggest Fear: Elevators  
First Job (Age): Yet to come
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Kevin Hart
Why I Wear No. 27: My high school coach said I reminded him a lot of (current Florida Panthers center) Nick Bjugstad, who wore No. 27 at Blaine.
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I am a Type I diabetic.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My insulin pump and sugar
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd possess some kind of superpower.
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Water polo 
Influences on My Athletic Career: My family
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The atmosphere at AMSOIL Arena -- I love it when the pep band plays at games.
My Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Never give up on your dream and always work harder than the person next to you. 
Post-UMD Plans: I hope to play in the NHL for the Dallas Stars. I'd also like to work with young kids who have diabetes.