Evan Janssen is much more than the owner of the Pioneers’ most amazing mullet. The junior is a member of DU’s line with Quentin Shore and Troy Terry and one of the team’s most effective penalty killers. He’s also one of the rare Pioneers to have played for Coach Jim Montgomery in juniors as well as at DU (Dylan Gambrell is the other). He took a few minutes this week to fire away after we teed up some sweet one-timers for him

You’ve played for Coach Montgomery in two spots. Has his approach always been the same?

Yeah, it’s pretty much the same. Junior is a bit different because you can trade players, but in college what you recruit is what you have. He likes to play his game. We’re coming at you, we’re not going to sit back. We always want to play fast, that’s his thing. One of the things on our team is we have four great lines which allows us to take advantage of that style of play.

Your line has been especially effective of late. What’s the key to your success with Quentin and Troy?

It’s been awesome playing with them. Their hockey sense is unbelievable. I got to play with Q a bit last year, him and (Troy) Loney. Q and I have always jelled on a line. Troy can make a pass through anyone. When you think there’s no angle he threads it through.

Do you have a favorite pregame meal?

Chicken parm is generally what we eat.

Do you have a favorite hockey player?

Pat Dwyer (formerly) of the Caroline Hurricanes. We train together over the summers in Wisconsin, and he gives me good insights into being a pro. It’s nice to train and skate with a guy like that and then go on the lake every day.

Is there any piece of your gear we should not mess with?

I don’t have any superstitions. If one goes wrong you’re automatically in a bad state of mind before the game starts.

When you need a good laugh who do you turn to?

Jarid Lukosevicius is usually good for a good laugh. Grant Arnold usually has some funny stuff to say. Maybe Emil Romig. And coach Montgomery has a couple of things to say that are hysterical.

Do you have a favorite sport other than hockey?

Wave surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, barefooting, that’s a big part of my life during the summers. It helps me with training.

Are you into music?

No I’m not.

What’s the breakfast of champions?

An omlette with ham, sausage, green peppers, onions and cheese. Side of wheat toast.

Do you have a favorite playoff tradition?

Not really. It’s different every year. … In Dubuque as a team we decided we weren’t going to shave or cut our hair during the playoffs. We don’t have any traditions here. I don’t cut my hair through the entire season. … Don’t touch it.

Who has better flow, you or Jaromir Jagr?

Jags. He’s perfected the hair style. I’m just trying to be like him. Trying to model mine after his.

@MagnessMayhem