DU junior Rudy Junda is passionate about hockey in Colorado. The forward worked his way up through the state’s youth hockey system and achieved a lifelong dream by playing for the Pioneers. The quick-witted Junda was gracious enough to elaborate on that and other topics after he was set up for some One-Timers …

What were some of the bigger influences on you becoming a hockey player?

I was a huge Avs fan. You can trace the surge in good hockey players here back to when they won in 2001. Those 4-5 birth years around me are full of great players. … DU also was a big influence in a more tangible way. I was always going to DU games from a young age. I always did the George Gwozdecky camp. All the DU players were the counselors. It was the best part of my summer – I got to hang out with them all day, 8 hours a day, for two weeks. They were really good influences. Nick Larson was my coach as a kids then later coached me at the (Rocky Mountain) RoughRiders. He and Derek Robinson are the reason me and (fellow Pioneer) Evan Ritt are where we are. … DU was the reason I wanted to play hockey. As you grow up it becomes more real. I didn’t know if I was going to get a chance to play at that good of a program. It’s definitely been a ride and a blessing.

One of the benefits you enjoyed was playing with so many of your future DU teammates at previous junctures. Can you tell us more about that?

When I was playing Bantam at Littleton, Hawk (DU teammate Brad Hawkinson) moved from Arizona and came to play on our team. He didn’t know anybody and I was his first roommate in Colorado. I’ve had a long history with Hawk, known him since we were 14 or 15. I’d played against Colin Staub my whole life. We always played against each other in Colorado then we played together in juniors in Texas (Wichita Falls/NAHL) for two years. I didn’t know Evan Cowley growing up but he played juniors with me and Staub. I’ve known Quentin (Shore) since we were little kids. Josiah (Didier) and I have known each other for a long time. You don’t really think about it that often but there is an interesting history.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played lacrosse growing up. I liked it a lot. I played attack and I was a lefty; there’s not many of those. Sort of like a baseball reliever. Got to sit there and score a lot of goals.

Do you have a favorite hockey memory?

That’s a tough question. In Littleton, we were really good. We won three or four state championships. Ages 13-15, those years were some of the funnest years. It’s pretty wild to think back about – it’s pretty crazy how many good players there are that came from Littleton – the Shores, Seth Jones, Christian Heil of CC, a bunch of DU players.

Is there something about Monty we should know but we don’t?

He has a really loud laugh and it’s extremely contagious. If you’re one of the lucky ones who’ve made him laugh you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you get a chance, he’ll make you feel good about yourself.

Who has the better mullet – Jaromir Jagr or Evan Janssen?

I love Janny. I wish I could say he had a better one. Jagr’s rookie card is one of the best photos of all time.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I have a very consistent one – three hardboiled eggs, flaxseed cereal, yogurt, pineapple and bananas and milk.

Is there a team comedian?

I think Evan Ritt is really, really funny. We have a lot of funny guys. Evan Janssen is underrated, Packy (Munson) is ridiculous but he’s really funny. Tanner Jaillet is underestimated but he’s really funny.

Are you particular about any gear?

I am a bit particular. I put it on and and take it off the same way. Always right shin pad first. There are a  few ones I do during warm-ups, but those are secrets.

Do you have a favorite Halloween costume?

When I was a kid I was Wolverine. I’m also a huge Batman fan. I like dark Batman better. But for Halloween I like ’60s Batman.

Do you have a favorite hockey player?

Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic, but Forsberg just a bit more. I thought he was a bit underrated for as good as the Avs were.

Are you a music guy?

Yes. I’m a big old-school rap fan. Eminen, Dr. Dre and Notorius B.I.G.

You and Evan Ritt recently debuted as hosts on Gabbin’ with Gabe – are we looking at this being a long-term engagement?

It will be a long-term engagement. It will feature most guys on the team. We’re going to try to have everyone show up.

Thanks Rudy!