Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A with Jim McKenzie
11/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 24, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Freshman Jim McKenzie has already made quite a name for himself. Prior to attending MSU, McKenzie spent two seasons (2002-04) with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League where he tied for fifth amongst the USHL regular-season scorers with 64 points. While playing in the USHL, he was selected team captain and team MVP. At MSU, he is already making a mark as well. In the Nov. 20 game against Michigan, he had a career-best two assists. The Spartans will travel to Wisconsin this Friday, Nov. 26 and Minnesota this Saturday, Nov. 27.
Q. How have you felt about your performance thus far this season?
A. It was kind of hard adjusting to the speed and the level but I feel that I have made that adjustment pretty well.
Q. How do you feel about playing in your home state this weekend?
A. I am really excited about it. I've been looking forward to it for awhile because it will be good to see my family and friends out there.
Q. What are the biggest challenges as a team that you face this season?
A. Bouncing back after rough weekends like last can be challenging. Going back to work on Monday and getting the job done is very important. This weekend is a big weekend for us so we have to bounce back.
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. Some of the guys in the dorm started a Madden '05 football team so I enjoy that. Basically, we just like to hang out and relax because our schedule is pretty rough.
Q. When did you first start playing hockey?
A.I was about 2 or 3; my dad built my sister and I a rink in the back yard.
Q. Who has had the biggest influence on your hockey career?
A. My parents and my youth hockey coach Wayne Palodichuk. He would wake us up at 7 a.m. and make us practice an hour away, we were pretty mad at the time but I think it really helped.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A. I'd like to be playing in the NHL.
Q. What is your pre-game ritual?
A. I don't really have many, I like to take a nap before the game and listen to some good pump-up music. I'm not the superstitious type; I just try to focus and go out and play my best.
Q. What is your favorite sport to watch other than hockey?
A. I enjoy watching football and tennis.
