Quick Q&A: Jack McNeely, Lakeville North hockey
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
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