So much for a sophomore slump.

Through 26 outings this season, Scott Perunovich has generated 24 points. That's the exact same total he showed at the 26-game juncture last winter, when he went on to become a first team All-American (just the second University of Minnesota Duluth newcomer to ever to so) and receive teh prestigious Tim Taylor Award (National Rookie of the Year).

Since the start of the 2017-18 season, no defenseman in the country has complied a better plus-minus rating (+29) than the Hibbing, Minn., product. Perunovich also ranks third among his NCAA I blue line brethren in assists (46) and fourth in scoring (60 points) over that stretch.

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Notre Dame
Opponent Arena: Ralph Englestad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Oxford, Ohio
Professional Athlete: Rafael Nadal
Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings
College Course: Communication classes
Pastime: Anything outdoors
Prized Possession: My phone
Book (Author): Still looking
Television Show: Entourage
Actor/Actress: Mark Wahlberg/Jennifer Aniston
Movie: The Other Guys
Singer/Group: Gill Chang
Food: Steak
Restaurant: Chipotle
Video Game: Fortnite
Vacation Spot: Side Lake, Minn.
Mobile App: Instagram

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: It was close to home and I thought the program would be a perfect fit.
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 5
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My vision/Anything in the defensive zone
Game Day Ritual: I dance with Riley Tufte.
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Winning the 2018 NCAA championship
Best Player I've Ever Faced: (former Denver forward) Henrik Borgström
Pet Peeve: When people -- like Kobe Roth --  chomp or click their  teeth.
Biggest Fear: Planes
First Job (Age):  Janitor at Triumph Twist Drill (15)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: My uncle Jeff
Why I Wear No. 7: I wore it growing up.
What Most People Don't Know About Me: My brother and dad taught me everything I know about hockey.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: Steffine Bailey (-:
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would be taller.
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: I'm not sure.
Influences on My Athletic Career: There are too many to name, but the biggest is my dad.
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The people you meet along the way.
My Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: There is always someone out there getting better and working harder than you, so once you think you've done enough, do more.
Post-UMD Plans: Work with my buddy Kobe Roth (that is if he ever learns to not click his teeth while he eats).