GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- There aren't enough superlatives to describe the impact Ryan Duncan has had on Fighting Sioux hockey. The senior captain leads the Sioux with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in eight games this season, is the leading active scorer among NCAA Division I ice hockey players and has never missed a game in his collegiate career. Duncan is in the top 10 in six different statistical categories all time at UND. And let's not forget, the 2007 Hobey Baker Award recipient.
Duncan talks about the team's high expectations on the season, the great rivalries in the WCHA, and some of his teammates, among other things with FightingSioux.com.
Alaska-Anchorage comes to town this weekend. The series kicks off Friday at 7:37 p.m. at Ralph Engelstad Arena and the puck will drop again Saturday at 7:07 p.m. in what is expected to be another packed house.
Q: Every year there are extremely high expectations for the Sioux hockey team. What is the key for success on this year's team?
A: The mentality we bring to the rink every day allows us to be successful. We pride ourselves on our strong mentality and the high expectations we have for ourselves are based on what's been passed down from our coaches and alumni.
Q: What makes you a good leader?
A: You'll have to ask my teammates. I really don't know. I try to lead by example. I'm not overly vocal, but I'm willing to say something if something needs to be said.
Q: Who do you think is the most intimidating player on the team?
A: Zach Jones, without a doubt. He's an animal in the weight room. He's usually really quiet, but you don't want to cross his wrath.
Q: Over the course of your time on the team, what has been the most memorable road trip you've been on?
A: There have been quite a few memorable road games. My sophomore year, when we swept Minnesota (the then No. 1 team in the country) at Mariucci, that was a highlight. Also, the last two regional finals, the Midwest Regional last year in Madison, and the West Regional year before in Denver to go to the Frozen Four, both were very memorable.
Q: The team has struggled a little bit so far. Is there anything that needs to change in order to pick up some more wins?
A: We're doing some good things. We need to stick with it. We have a good philosophy; we just got to keep working hard.
Q: You've been playing on a line with Chris VandeVelde and Brett Hextall. What makes that work? What makes them good players?
A: Yeah, it's going great. We are creating opportunities and chances. We just have to get better at finishing. Vandy is a big workhorse in front of the net and Brett is a very gritty player and rarely loses a battle. They make the game a lot easier.
Q: Do you have a favorite NHL team?
A: Calgary Flames ? gotta go with the hometown team.
Q: Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?
A: I didn't really have any growing up, but currently my favorite players are Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators) and Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins).
Q: What teams, besides Minnesota, do you personally enjoy playing and why?
A: I like playing any WCHA team. Great rivalries and there's a great playoff-like atmosphere for every game. It's hard to pick just one. Minnesota is tough to beat.
Q: Any idea what you're going to do with your life once you're done playing hockey?
A: I have no idea. Hopefully stay in the game. But, hopefully, I won't have to think about that for a bit yet.
Q: Next home series is against Alaska Anchorage. Any idea what to expect out of them? They've started their season pretty strong.
A: We know Alaska Anchorage is always tough and they are a hard-working team, so we're really not surprised to see them have some success early on.
