Meet UND sophomore forward Jayden Perron – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS — Jayden Perron was a key figure in UND’s power play, which ranks fourth nationally, converting 29.3 percent of its chances.

Perron converted a big goal last Friday and scored an overtime game-winner on the power play to lead the Fighting Hawks to a victory over Robert Morris.

Perron has played in three different spots on UND’s power play unit this season – left wing, right wing and in the bumper (between the points). This week, Perron talked about playing with the man advantage and shared some of his favorites off the ice with the Herald.

Q. You were used at different points in the power play. How have you adapted to be successful in so many different areas?
A. I think it’s a lot of fun to get a lot of different looks. I think that’s kind of our strategy behind it: keeping the other team guessing and not being able to scout us ahead of time. I think KG (assistant coach Karl Goehring) helped me a lot with getting comfortable in a lot of different places, so it was a lot of fun.

Q. Did you play at different venues before UND? I know you were on the left in Chicago.
A. Yes, I think I played both cross and bumper. I’m not sure I ever played deep, but I think I had a good little mix at every point.

Q: If you’re on the left, feel free to use your one-timer. How did you develop this recording?
A. I think I’ve enjoyed trying it over the years, so I practice it often. I think it’s gotten better over the years. I’m definitely trying to use it more often.

Q: UND has been great on the power play this year, but how does the team look to improve five-on-five performance?
A. I think I just have the confidence to make plays. Many goals are now scored either in the power play or spontaneously. I think it’s hard to score five-on-five, but we can get more of it and try to score more goals like that if we’re able to make more plays and maintain more time in the O-zone.

Q: You’ve played Bemidji State before. What do you expect from the series?
A. If you look at their squad, they look like an older team. They will be difficult to play. We know what awaits us. It’s going to be a difficult game.

Q. Aside from ice hockey, what sport do you enjoy watching the most?
A. Probably football.

Q. Who is your favorite team?
A. I don’t really have a team. I just enjoy watching.

Q. What restaurant does Grand Forks need?
A. Chipotle.

Q. What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A. Zach Bryan here.

Q. What is your favorite place you have ever traveled to?
A. Jamaica.

Q. What destination is on your bucket list?
A. Somewhere in Europe. I’ve never been to Europe.

Q. Is there a song you listen to before every game?
A. No. I’m not really superstitious or anything.

Q. Do you listen to music at all before games?
A. Just what we’re playing in the locker room right now.

Q. If you have to cook a meal yourself, what do you do?
A. Butter noodles and minced meat.

Q. What is your favorite cheat meal?
A. Chik-fil-A.

Q. What film have you seen most often?
A. The dirt.

Q. Do you have a game day routine?
A. I’m just warming up with Strinds (Ben Strinden). Otherwise no.

Q. Are you a coffee lover?
A. No.

Q. What is your favorite city in the USA?
A. Grand Forks.

Q. What is your favorite city in Canada?
A. Winnipeg.

Q. Who was your favorite hockey player as a child?
A. It was Sidney Crosby. Now it’s (Artemi) Panarin.

Q. Who do you think are the three greatest athletes of all time?
A. I write to (Wayne) Gretzky. I think he is the GOAT of GOATs. I also want to say that (Connor) McDavid is the most dominant and best hockey player to ever play, so I’ll name him. And seeing LeBron James is pretty crazy, so I’m counting him.

Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the best beat writer for the Herald’s circulation department and once as the North Dakota Sportswriter of the Year. He lives in Grand Forks. Reach him at [email protected].