Jake Friedland, sr., RW Fox Chapel

He's 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, but Friedland makes a big impact for Fox Chapel nearly every time he hits the ice. A two-year captain for the surprising Foxes, the senior is second on the team with 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) and had a hat trick plus two assists against Butler last Monday. He's is also a member of the Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18-U team. Led by Friedland, Fox Chapel currently has the best record in Class AAA, at 6-0, and is making a massive turnaround from past seasons. Last year, the Foxes were 3-18.

Q: What has been the key to Fox Chapel's unbeaten record after a month of the season?

A: "I think we're really playing tight, system hockey. We're more disciplined this year. The coaches have put an emphasis on us playing system hockey. ... And we just have a lot more confidence."

Q: It's been a long time since Fox Chapel has had this kind of success, so how has the atmosphere changed around the team?

A: "It's tons of fun. Every game, it's about keeping the streak alive. We expect to win now; it's not a big surprise. As the streak gets bigger, we're taking it more seriously."

Q: Not including any Penguins, what NHL players do you look up to?

A: "(Tampa Bay forward) Martin St. Louis is one of them because I'm a smaller guy. I think it's amazing what he can do with his size."

Q: People might be surprised to know ...

A: "I might be better at ping pong than I am at hockey."

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