Quick Q&A: Riley Tousignant, Lakeville North girls' hockey

Panthers girls' hockey coach Buck Kochevar will always remember Tousignant for her tenacity. "She's our water bug," he said. "She will bother the living daylights out of you. I love the emotion she brings to the rink every day." Here is a closer look at Tousignant:

Q Three words or phrases your friends or teammates would use to describe you are …

A … hardworking, encouraging and talkative.

Q At what age did you start playing hockey?

A In third grade because my younger brother played. I decided that I wanted to play, too. I joined his team and kept playing from that point on.

Q How did you feel at your first varsity practice?

A Extremely nervous and excited. I was only an eighth-grader, so I was terrified of making a mistake, but I couldn't be more excited to practice as a varsity player.

A A bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, Chobani Greek yogurt (peach) and a cutie (orange).

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

A All three girls' hockey state tournaments … but especially the one my sophomore year. As underdogs we took Class 2A eventual state champion Minnetonka to six overtimes before losing 4-3 in the semifinals. The game lasted until 1:23 a.m., and even though we ended up losing it was an experience I will never forget.

Q Name one sport you wish you could participate in that you don't?

A Gymnastics, no doubt. I used to have a trampoline and taught myself all different kinds of flips and tricks.

AOut of college with a degree, possibly working as a nurse in a hospital.

Q What is the best sports advice you have ever received?

A To simply just leave everything on the ice. My coaches always make a point, especially before big games, to give your absolute best effort for three periods and good things will happen.