Not only has Denver sophomore center Tyson McLellan become one of the Pioneers’ most reliable face-off men, but he’s providing plenty of offense. He graciously took time recently to fire away at some one-timers that were more treat than trick.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I’d have to go with three eggs over easy, two pieces of toast and a fruit smoothie. That’s my daily routine.

Is there one place in your hometown everyone should visit?

Yeah, I’d say In-N-Out burger in San Jose.

Hockey season can get stressful, what do you like to do to unwind?

I love going golfing. I know it’s not really a winter thing but early on in the season I try to get out as much as possible with a bunch of guys on the team. So I’d say golfing for sure.

What is your favorite part about Denver?

About the city, it’s like a big city but you still get a small-town feel. The other part about Denver is just the team here, the culture, just being around the guys every day.

Do you have a favorite road trip in the NCHC?

I liked playing at Miami last year. I liked playing at their rink. They had a good student section. It was a fun place to play. … It kind of reminded me of Notre Dame a little bit.

Do you have a favorite super hero?

I do not. I’m not big into that.

Who is the team comedian?

I’ll say Liam Finlay. I don’t want to say, but I have to say it.

Is there a reason you have to say it?

He’s a comedian, I just don’t like giving him the props for it.

Is there anyone you face in practice or you notice during a game where you just think, “What a skill set”?

I think you have to go with (Henrik) Borgstrom. The stuff he does. When he’s on, he’s impressive. There’s a lot of guys on the team who do crazy stuff but he kind of tops it all.

Did you have a favorite player growing up?

I did. Pavel Datsyuk was favorite player growing up. I don’t really play like him, but I still love watching him. He’s to me a top-5 best player of all time.

Did you ever try to convince your dad to trade for him with the Sharks?

I don’t think he’s going anywhere but Detroit. When he was there I watched him all the time, do shootout moves, stuff in practice. He was unbelievable.

Do you have any favorite memories being around a pro team as a kid?

I was probably 12 or 13, we went the All-Star Game in Ottawa, and we got to be behind the scenes and see all the best players in the world from a different perspective than everybody else did. It was really cool to see that and how they carry themselves.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I think it’s, “Be yourself.” You hear that a lot, it’s kind of cliché. But I’ve had coaches say it, and my dad preaches it a lot, don’t go too far out of the way of the things you do. Stick to what you do and be yourself.

I’ve heard some hockey players are superstitious, are you one of them?

I am, I’m pretty superstitious.

Can you tell us what any of those superstitions are?

When I tape my stick before a game or practice, the tape can’t touch the ground until I go on the ice. It always has to be the other side up.

Did you have a favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

Probably dressing up as a hockey player or a ref, something like that.

Have you seen any great costumes here?

Guys dressed up as Jarid Lukosevicius last year. That was pretty funny.