Get to know UND goaltender Zach Sandy
· Yahoo Sports
Feb. 6—DULUTH, Minn. — UND goaltender Zach Sandy spent the last three seasons at Minnesota Duluth.
He spoke to the Herald about returning to his old stomping grounds this week for a series between UND and Minnesota Duluth at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 6:07 p.m. Saturday in AmsOil Arena.
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Q. What's it going to be like returning to the place you've spent three seasons?
A. I think it will be fun. Looking back, I think a lot of the people and the memories you make are what you remember. It was just the hockey side that I wanted a change. I think for me and
(Anthony) Menghini,
it will be good. The emotions will maybe be high, but it's a big weekend, so we're really focused on that.
Q. How has it gone so far at UND for you?
A. It's been awesome. I've really embraced my role. I understand I probably won't play a lot, but I just try to value my voice and anything I can bring. We have an unreal team and it's been a blast.
Q. What's it been like working with the other two goalies, Gibson Homer and Jan Špunar?
A. It's been great. I think we all get along so well. It's probably the tightest three goalies I've had in my career — and I've had some tight groups. In the summer, we had a routine every day. We get in early and us three do everything together before we get on the ice. We've really become close. And I think we feed off each other great.
Q. You guys have very different personalities, I'd say.
A. Yes. For me, I'm outgoing, love to have a good time. But I have a passion and have to know when to buckle down and be serious. Spoons, coming from a different country, he's always just so relaxed. Even in games, he's like "whatever." I think that benefits him. Nothing really gets to him. He's always even-keeled. Gibby is quieter than me, but more talkative than Spoons. It's a good mix. It just works out really well.
Q. What musical artist have you listened to the most in the last year?
A. I'd say Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs. I love country. It puts me in a good headspace.
Q. What's your biggest talent outside of hockey?
A. I'd probably say baseball. My dad was drafted in the Major Leagues. I played baseball and hockey all through high school. I played baseball all through high school, then I had to make a choice. My dad said, "Do whatever makes you happy." He went the baseball route — pro ball with the Mets. I just liked hockey. I was goalie. If you really shine, you can help your team a lot. That's kind of why I chose that.
Q. What position did you play in baseball?
A. Pitcher and left field.
Q. Who is your best-dressed teammate?
A. I'd say Jake Livanavage or Ben Strinden.
Q. Outside of hockey, do you have a favorite sports team to watch?
A. I'd say the Minnesota Vikings or North Carolina basketball. My brother, Luke, started liking North Carolina first, then after the last 10 years, I just fell in love with their colors and their tradition. Obviously, Michael Jordan played there.
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
A. From my dad: Live in every moment, don't get too high or too low, just every day bring something. We're at such a special place. I just try to be a positive light for anything. My dad said never take a day for granted and always try to bring a smile to the rink.
Q. Who is the best player you've ever played a game against?
A. I've played against (Cruz) Lucius, (Tristan) Broz, (Carter) Mazur, (Zeev) Buium. . . the best one? I'll tell you the hardest shot I've ever faced in my life: Tyler Kleven. I remember in the summers when I was a little younger, I was scared. It was just so hard.
Q. What's your dream job outside of being a pro hockey player?
A. I'd say a public address announcer like Darrin Looker.
Q. What movie do you quote the most?
A. Dumb and Dumber.
Q. What app do you use the most on your phone?
A. Instagram.
Q. What's on your lock screen?
A. A picture of me in the net against Manitoba.
Q. What emoji do you use the most on your phone?
A. The laughing one.
Q. If you had to eat one meal for an entire week, what would you choose?
A. Ground beef and rice. Me and Geno (Menghini) make that like every night.
Q. What's one food you won't eat?
A. Mushrooms or tomatoes.
Q. What's your favorite place you've ever played a hockey game?
A. Last year in Tempe against ASU. My whole family was there and I got to play that game.
Q. If you could go back in time and attend one sporting event, what would you choose?
A. I'd go back to when Tiger Woods was in his prime in the early 2000s and won the Masters. I just love his competitiveness.