Quick Q&A

JACK MCNEELY LAKEVILLE NORTH, Sr., HOCKEY

McNeely is in his final prep season as a defenseman on the state's top-ranked boys' hockey team in Class 2A. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound McNeely is regarded as one of the top high school defensemen in the country. Here is a closer look at McNeely:

Q The best movie you've seen in the last year?

A "Unbroken."

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

A … passionate, funny, and focused.

Q Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A … "Sweet Annie" by Zac Brown; "Blame" by Calvin Harris, and "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy.

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

A Playing in the Class 2A hockey state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center last year. [The Panthers finished second to Edina.]

Q At my first varsity practice, I felt …

A … a little nervous, but confident.

Q What did you work on most prior to the start of your final high school season?

A In the offseason, our whole team worked out together five times a week. We worked on building strength and speed so we could be in great shape for the season.

Q What are your goals for the remainder of the hockey season?

A To help my team win a state championship.

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

A Play more games.

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

A Soccer. I used to play when I was younger, and I wish that I never would have quit.

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

A I mainly make sure I try to work hard at school, so I don't have as much homework. I try to get a lot of sleep.

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

A The Detroit Red Wings. I grew up a huge Nicklas Lidstrom fan.

Q Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it?

A I am an above-average Pickleball player.

RON HAGGSTROM