Lakeville North's Jack Diercks wins battles for loose pucks

Senior Jack Diercks is looking to lead the Lakeville North boys' hockey team to its third consecutive state tournament appearance.

To accomplish the feat, the Panthers must go through crosstown rival South in the Class 2A, Section 1 finals. The title game will be Thursday evening at the Rochester Rec Center.

The Panthers forward had two goals and two assists in their two victories in section play. He was their leading goal scorer during the regular season.

Here is a closer look at Diercks:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" or "Fast Five."

Two songs I never skip on my iPod are ... "Lose Yourself" by Eminem and "Glad You Came" by Timeflies Tuesday.

What are your three favorite apps? Pandora; Blackjack 21 Pro; Music.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Leader; funny; passionate.

How did you get started playing hockey? My dad would take me to the outdoor rinks in Bloomington when I was in pre-school.

At my first varsity practice, I felt … excited and nervous to start my high school career.

To get focused for a game, I … listen to music and visualize.

What is your favorite pregame meal? Jimmy John's. A Turkey Tom with no tomato and no cucumbers, and with a water bottle.

What did you work on most prior to the start of the season? Lifting and strength training, so I can play juniors or college hockey.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Winning the consolation championship in the state tournament in 2011.

Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Lakeville South. We've been playing against and with the kids on the team ever since we were mites. It's a crosstown rivalry game that's always packed and has a great atmosphere.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? With practice getting done by 4:30 p.m. every night, I have time to do my school work after dinner and before bed.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Golden Gophers. I've grown up watching them and own season tickets. So I like to watch them and see what it takes to play at that level.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? "Being a leader is not easy, for it requires your best effort, even when you may not feel like it. Work hard and your talents will take you wherever you want to go."