Graduate transfer Les Lancaster has wasted little time making himself right at home in No. 7 Denver’s lineup.

The defenseman, who typically is paired with Michael Davies at even strength and also plays on the second power play, has three goals and five points in 10 games. And his goals have been clutch ones – one tied the score against Alaska with 35 seconds to play and another was a game-winner.

A multi-sport athlete, Lancaster graciously took time recently to answer some rapid-fire questions from Magness Mayhem for this installment of our light-hearted One-timers feature.

I understand you and your family are big into all sorts of sports. Can you tell us more about that?

I’ve always been surrounded by sports. In Michigan, with the beautiful summers we have, I played baseball, golf, ran track and in the winter it as hockey.

Baseball probably was a big one given that your dad played seven seasons of Major League Baseball.

Yeah, not too many people probably know at this point.

And you also played golf in college at Mercyhurst, correct?

After hockey season ended, I joined the Mercyhurst golf team all three years I was there. That was great. I actually had a golf scholarship offer from Ferris State before I got my hockey one to Mercyhurst. I was going to pursue golf there, and I definitely have a passion for it, but I think I’m a little better at hockey at this point. But after hockey’s over I’m going to pursue golf some more.

If the Pioneers have a golf outing, who’s winning?

Ha! We played a lot in August before the season, but nobody wants to play with me now. They’re all mad at me.

In order to play so many sports well, surely breakfast has to be of paramount importance. So what is the breakfast of champions?

I’m not too big of a breakfast guy, but if I had to say, I’d say maple brown sugar oatmeal and some eggs and white toast with butter. And apple juice. I’m a big apple juice guy.

Did you have a favorite team or player growing up?

Being in the Ann Arbor area and especially when I was younger, watching the Red Wings when I was younger they were one of the best teams in the NHL. It’s hard for them not to be my favorite. And Brendan Shanahan was one player I liked. I was a forward for a long time. I didn’t start playing defense until about five years ago, just two years before I went to Mercyhurst. I wore 14 growing up because that was my grandma’s favorite player. That was my favorite player at the time. Of defensemen I’d have to go with Erik Karlsson, by far.

Are you particular about any of your gear?

Oh yeah. I still wear my shin pads and chest protector from when I was 13. I don’t think (DU equipment manager Nick) Meldrum knows about the shin pads. I’m trying to break in a new chest protector. But I’m very particular about my gear. Yeah, that’s one of my things. I have to feel comfortable with it. … You cannot mess with any of my gear. I’m very loyal to my old stuff.

Did you have a favorite Halloween costume as a kid or even now?

I’m still big into the Power Rangers, which is probably pretty funny because I’m 23 years old. I think I was the red Ranger for seven years in a row. My mom loved that. She didn’t have to buy a new one.

Any notable costumes at this year’s team Halloween party?

Michael Corson was the Cat in the Hat. Michael Davies and I were Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Are there are any comedians on the team?

Liam Finlay. Easily the biggest comedian on team. I’m lucky, I live with him so I get a good dose of that every day.

Are you a pet fan?

Absolutely.  My family has three dogs – two mini Australian Shepherds and an Australian Shepherd- Sheltie mix – and I love them to death. My girlfriend is a huge cat person, but I’m allergic to cats so there will be none of them in my near future. I’m sure she’ll laugh when she hears that.

Your goalie, Devin Cooley, has a bird, and I understand Petrie has quite a following.

Oh yeah. We named their house the bird cage.

©First Line Editorial 2017-18