Rapid-fire questions, with a bit of a twist … are your Pioneers up for it?

This week, we set up some sweet feeds for senior defenseman Nolan Zajac, whose sweater got a bit heavier this week with that extra letter (an “A”) getting sewn on it. The affable product of Winnipeg kicks off a series of Q&As with boys from north of the border. Known for his willingness to jump into the rush on the ice, he also shows a willingness to make light of many things off it. As an added bonus, we let Mayhem Junior ask the Pioneers assistant captain a question, too.

The guest question from Mayhem Junior … What’s your favorite superfood? Ice cream! That counts as a superfood, right? (Laughter and nods of approval follow from the bowels of Magness Arena)

Favorite pre game meal? Chicken parm is what we usually get, so that’s what I’m used to.

Are you going to celebrate Thanksgiving a second time? Maybe, I did last year. I went to Josiah Didier’s house with his family so I got two dinners in me. It was nice.

Who’s your favorite hockey player? It used to be Chris Pronger, but he doesn’t play anymore so I don’t really have one right now. It was always Chris. He was hard to play against. He was someone you wanted on your team but didn’t want to play against. I respect him for that.

What’s the craziest goal you’ve ever witnessed? I don’t know if I have one. One of the funniest ones I’ve seen was Josiah Didier put it in his own net at North Dakota when he spiked it out of the air with his hand. I’ll call that one.

Do not mess with this piece of my gear! Sticks

When you need a good laugh in the locker room, who do you turn to? I want to say myself, but I’ll say Will Butcher. I love sitting beside him, he’s got a great personality.

Do you have a favorite sport other than hockey? I’d say golf. I’m not that good at it.

Favorite arena rock song? I don’t know if I have one. In the USHL in Omaha we used to have this one, uh, what was it called? … It was called “This Is Our House”, or something like that. … You don’t hear much rock anymore. It’s all pop and stuff. They’ve kind of gotten away from that now; it’s kind of sad. I don’t even think we play it either. We’ve got to bring it back! … If anything, it’s got to be from Nickelback. People either love ’em or hate ’em. But I’ve got to go with the Canadians.

The breakfast of champions is? Eggs

Do you play fantasy football? Yes. Team name? Inaugural Champion. We’re not allowed to play for prizes but I played for pride and I won last year.

I am thankful for? Family and hockey. They go hand in hand.

@MagnessMayhem