NAME: Megan Pofi

SCHOOL: University at Buffalo

HOMETOWN: Wheatfield, NY

YEAR: Junior

POSITION: Defense

Q: What is the single best thing about playing college hockey for your current CHE team?
A: I would have to say it's my teammates. I know I can always count on them when I need them, on and off the ice. Everyone is so nice, and we all get along very well! We're literally like a family. We fight about dumb things and then are joking around with each other 5 minutes later!

Q: What is the most-memorable hockey game you have ever been involved in, at any level?
A: I could name so many, but one of the most recent would have to be during my senior year of high school with the Cazenovia Chiefs at States. My current teammates Maddie Norton and Lexi Peters were also on the team. It was the semi-final game versus the Rochester Grizzlies, and we were the complete underdogs. It's actually funny because one of our newest additions to our team is Bri Purcio, and she played for the Grizzlies.We were undefeated in States before that game but knew that this would be a tough game to win. We went hard. Just like my current team, we had a very small bench, and our opponent rolled 4 lines and 6 defense. They were all over us the entire game, but our goalie had the best game of her life and stood on her head. We played the hardest we had all year, and it was paying off because towards the end of the third period, we were tied 1-1. Our entire bench was freaking out, and our coaches were already trying to plan out the shootout.  But then with about 2 minutes left to go, Rochester got called for tripping Maddie Norton, and she was rewarded with a penalty shot. If you've ever seen Maddie Norton play, you know she can dangle. We were so confident and so nervous at the same time. The rink was completely silent as Maddie grabbed the puck and went towards the goalie. I'm pretty sure our entire team was holding their breath. She made a move, let the puck go, and BAM -- it was in the back of the net!! Our entire bench flew over the boards and we all jumped on Maddie. We couldn't believe it! We still had 2 minutes left, so we had to finish the game strong. I was one of the defense out for the last few minutes, and we all were so focused and worked so hard to keep that puck out of our zone. When the buzzer went off, we all tackled my goalie! I'm pretty sure the Buffalo Sabres could use her right about now. We went on to the finals and won!! Even our manager couldn't believe we were going to Nationals. She started freaking out about planning for it. Even though I mentioned Maddie's awesome penalty shot, our whole team came together that game.  We all wanted to prove that we weren't the underdogs, and we did.

Q: Are there any routines or rituals you must stick to before every game, such as listening to a certain song?
A: Before every game, a certain member of our team likes to blast "hardcore" rap that no one can understand the lyrics to. We live with it because no one else will volunteer to play music, and for some odd reason, they won't let me put my music on. I don't really do anything weird like always put my left skate on first or something like that, but before every period I say, "Horns Up" with my defense partner, and I guess I feel like that helps me feel better before a period. Almost like if I didn't say it, it might jinx us.

Q: Which opposing CHE team do you really enjoy playing against, and why?
A: We unfortunately don't have any league games against them this year, but I'd have to go with Delaware. They are by far our best competition in the CHE. It's much more fun playing a game against a team that is similar in skill to you because there's always more emotion and intensity. I wouldn't call it a rivalry, but its pretty close to one. I'm sure they're looking forward to playing us again after last season's CHE finals, and we are definitely looking forward to playing them again.

Q: If you were put in charge of the entire sport of hockey and could change just one thing about the game, what would it be?
A: I would say either bigger nets in the NHL or stricter rules on size of goalie equipment. It needs some more excitement.

Q: What made you choose to attend your current school?
A: I'm from the area, and it's by far the best school in Buffalo. Also the food options are great. I actually have a full service Tim Horton's two feet from my classroom in our Business Center. I like the large school and all the resources it could provide me with, and I knew I wanted to play hockey. So I knew UB was perfect for me.

Q: What is your major and what do you want to do with it after graduation?
A: I'm majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I would love to work for an NHL team after graduation. That's actually my end goal. I was that kid growing up that when asked what I wanted to be when I was older, I always said I don't know, while everyone else would shout out Veterinarian or a lawyer or something. Then a few years back when applying to schools, I forced myself to figure out what I wanted to do. When it came down to it, I knew I loved hockey and would really enjoy working in it as a career. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first female commissioner of the NHL. So if anyone wants to hook me up with an NHL job, that'd be fantastic. If that doesn't work out, I'll probably try to work at Disney World or something similar.

Q: What person outside of your family has done the most for you?
A: I would say some of my friends outside of my hockey life. I have a few really good friends that I've hung out with for a while now, and they have always been nothing but supportive of me. I don't know where I would be without any of them, and I'm so blessed to have them as a part of my life.

Q: Would you rather be Superman or Batman, and why?
A: Oh my goodness, Superman by far! When I was little -- probably about 5 -- I had these Superman pajamas, and I would run around my house to make the cape fly up so I could pretend I was flying. I grew up with two younger brothers and a dad that always pushed superhero movies and shows on me. I always loved Superman while my brother was a Batman kid. But Superman can fly and is super strong and has even more powers, when all Batman can practically do is glide. Even now with all these new movies with Marvel usually doing better than DC, I always stick up for my main man Superman. I would much rather be Superman with fun powers. He was my original favorite superhero since I was little, and the current Superman -- Henry Cavill -- is not hard on the eyes.

Q: What are your two favorite apps on your smartphone, and why?
A: Twitter and Snapchat. I get a lot of my news from Twitter. Plus, it's a great way to kill time when I'm bored in class or in an awkward situation like in an elevator with one other random person. I can just go on Twitter. I also love Snapchat and follow a bunch of NHL teams on it. I love going through their stories everyday. Also, it's a super fun way to talk to your friends. And when you go away on vacation or go to Nationals, its fun to brag about where you are with the geofilters and the ability to post stuff on your story! I actually am the team's social media person, so everyone should give us a follow on Twitter and Instagram!