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Hockey topped figure when it came to skates for Apple Valley's Ess

By Star Tribune, 11/04/14, 4:29PM CST

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Ess, who is a three-year letterwinner, will serve as an assistant captain in her final high school season.

Senior defenseman MacKenzie Ess is looking foward to the Apple Valley girls’ hockey season opener Thursday night against St. Paul United.
The Eagles are coming off a 7-18-1 season in 2013-14. They finished seventh in the South Suburban Conference at 6-12-0.
Ess, who is a three-year letterwinner, will serve as an assistant captain in her final high school season. She had three goals and nine assists as a junior. One of her goals came on the power play.
“Strong leadership will have to guide a very young roster,” Apple Valley coach Don Erdall said. “Strengths include team speed and depth.”
Here is a closer look at Ess:
Q: The best movie I’ve seen in the past year?
A: “Lone Survivor.”

Q: Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me?
A: Laid back, honest and trustworthy.

Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …
A: ... “Paint the Seconds” by Chevelle; “Worth Dying For” by Rise Against, and “Feel Good Drag” by Anberlin.

Q: What are your three favorite apps?
A: Twitter, Reddit and Snapchat.

Q: How did you get started playing hockey?
A: I was around hockey when I was younger. I first got put in figure skates, and soon figured out that I was much better off in a pair of hockey skates.

Q: What did you work on most prior to the season?
A: My shot and staying in shape.

Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt …
A: ... excited, scared and nervous.

Q: What is your favorite meal prior to a game?
A: Erbert and Gerbert’s.

Q: To get focused for a game, I …
A: ... put in headphones and tune everything else out.

Q: I know I have an edge on an opponent when …
A: ... they show frustration and avert their attention from the purpose of the game.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: To help our team work beyond expectations.

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A: Playing in section finals against Eagan my freshman year.

Q: Who is your school’s biggest rival, and why?
A: Eastview. We share the same city and every game played against them is much more exciting than just another team.

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: I try to get as much homework done before practice. I finish up any extra after practice.

Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?
A: Golf, because it is a lifelong pastime.

Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?
A: I’ve cheered for the Minnesota Gophers men’s hockey since I was young ,and college hockey is always entertaining to watch.

Q: In 10 years, I hope I’m …
A: ... surrounded by people I love.

Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?
A: To always keep your eye on your destination, but to have fun along the way.
RON HAGGSTROM