Sports

Eagan's Ali Vecellio wants to score one more trip to state hockey

November 6, 2013 at 12:46AM

Eagan senior defenseman Ali Vecellio is looking to complete her own version of a hat trick — three consecutive appearances in the Class 2A girls' hockey state tournament.

The Wildcats won the consolation championship a year ago. They lost to runner-up Hill-Murray in the quarterfinals before bouncing back to beat Forest Lake and North Wright County.

Vecellio will serve as one of the team captains this winter as well as on the lacrosse team in the spring.

Here is a closer look at Vecellio:

Q: What is the best movie you've seen in the last year?

A: "Now You See Me."

Q: Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me?

A: Friendly; easygoing; competitive.

Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A: … "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco; "Hero" by Skillet; "Almost Famous" by Eminem.

Q: What are your three favorite apps?

A: Pinterest; Pandora; Vine.

Q: How did you get started playing hockey?

A: I started playing hockey after I quit figure skating and dance because I wanted to be like my older brother.

Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt ...

A: … sick to my stomach because I was so nervous.

Q: What did you work on most prior to practice starting?

A: Getting stronger and making smart, quick decisions when I am on the ice.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming hockey season?

A: I want to have a competitive and successful season, with a strong team record, and make a return appearance at the state tournament.

Q: To get focused for a game, I …

A: … listen to music and think about what I need to do well.

Q: What is your favorite meal prior to a game?

A: A Honeycrisp apple with orange juice.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A: Winning the Section 3 championship game [2-1 over Apple Valley] my sophomore year to go to the state tournament because at the beginning of the season it seemed like an impossible task. I also enjoyed playing in the state tournament my junior year.

Q: Who is your school's biggest rival, and why?

A: I would say Lakeville North or Lakeville South because they are always really good and the game could go either way.

Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?

A: I would let girls check in hockey.

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A: I go to hockey right after school on most days, and then right when I get home I start my homework in order to get it all done on time. Hopefully, with this being my senior year, I won't have quite as much homework as I have had in the past.

Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?

A: The Minnesota Gophers hockey teams because I grew up watching them. I will be a Gopher fan no matter where I go to college.

Q: In 10 years, I hope I'm …

A: … practicing medicine. I'm not quite sure in what specialty yet.

RON HAGGSTROM