Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Dylan Lansky, Highland Park hockey

Dylan Lansky is a senior left wing for the Giants. He is the league’s top point scorer (40 points in 19 games as of press time) and was an All-State selection last season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I probably am the most superstitious person there is. Before the game, I have to do yoga. When I am at the rink, I have to make sure my sticks aren’t near anyone else’s. I always do my right (piece of gear) before the left and always have to retie my skates approximately 11 minutes before I go on the ice — and I am always last (to the ice).

2. What are your plans for next year?

Next year I’m looking at Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana, and probably want to play club (hockey) there. They are all close to home and do have good club hockey teams.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the ice?

I do love all sports. I love to play football, that’s the most fun thing to do outside, just hang with friends and play football. I like to just get out, get at it and have some fun.

4. When did you know hockey was your thing?

When I was younger, I had a backyard rink and every time I’d see my dad out there shooting pucks I knew it had to be the most fun thing there is. And it was something different than what my other friends were doing. I thought it was cool that I was the only one to play hockey. I knew it was my sport.

5. What is something difficult about hockey people might not realize?

It takes a lot of endurance. They think skating, it’s like gliding, so it doesn’t seem so hard. But you have to be in such good shape, especially hockey shape. And it’s so hard to stay in shape for such a long season.

6. What is your top sports highlight so far?

I 100 percent think it would be beating Deerfield in the Thanksgiving game my senior year. That was the greatest moment. I also went to nationals with my team, the (Chicago) Bulldogs. And the greatest hockey game I played was my sophomore year against Deerfield. I had a 103 fever, the flu and scored two goals and the game-winner. It was the greatest moment of my life.

7. What would be your dream job?

Realistically my dream would be in sports management. I want sports, preferably hockey, to be part of my life. I’m just obsessed.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m definitely going for a Gatorlyte, I’m a grape, purple guy, and maybe for a snack, I like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

What people don’t know about me is on the ice I might seem like a tough guy and off the ice I’m a sensitive guy, calm and relaxed. I’m a completely different guy on the ice.

10. What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Our goal is to make a run at state for sure. I really want to win our league or the North Central League. We’ve been playing all these teams well all year. We are a young team, but if we play together we can make a run and beat any team we want, if we play the right way.

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