Mitchell Swanson of Wadena-Deer Creek has tallied 29 goals this year, good enough to be second-best in the state. (credit: karenhunnicuttphotography.com)

What’s sweeter – going from a 1-24 record to a solid 6-8 start, or being one of the State of Hockey’s top goal scorers?

Lucky for Mitchell Swanson of Wadena-Deer Creek, he’s double dipping.

The senior forward’s 29 goals have him ranked second in Minnesota, as he has blown past his 2011-12 total of 20.

Yes, he’s quite lean, weighing in at 146 pounds for his 6-foot frame. But he’s living the high life working at the local movie theatre and watching new releases for free.

Oh, and he loves Alicia Keys — go figure. Here are nine things you need to know about Mr. Swanson.

1 — A 1-win season last year is now a distant memory
It was our first year with a new coach (Chris Holman). We needed to learn a new system and just a bunch of factors along the lines of that.

Mitchell Swanson (left) has helped Wadena-Deer Creek forget about its 1-24 season in 2011-12. (credit: Swanson family)

2 — What’s the difference for this year’s boost in victories?
We have a productive second line now. We have two freshmen (Dylan Phillips and Mike Behl) and a foreign exchange student (Otto Asp) who are putting the puck in the net. And we’re having some solid goaltending.

3 — If you’re 6 feet tall and not even 150 pounds … do you eat?
(Laughs). My metabolism won’t let me keep it. I am still strong on my feet, though. When I was younger, my older brother Brandon would play against me, and throw me around so I knew what to expect when I got older.

4 — What are your personal ambitions this season?
I’m aiming for 100 points. I needed 43 points at the beginning of the year. I’m two away now.

5 — How do you react when you see yourself atop the state’s scorers?
It’s pretty awesome. My teammates definitely tell me about it.

Swanson credits two freshman additions for the team’s current 6-8 record.
(credit: Swanson family)

6 — What sends you to North Dakota State University for criminal justice next year?
I want to be a probation officer. My dad has been a cop before, so I grew up with that.

7 — No hockey scholarships yet?
No coaches have contacted me so far. But I will definitely listen if someone talks. If not, I’ll move on and play on a club team at NDSU.

8 — Best movies you’ve seen for free courtesy of working at The Cozy Theatre?
I sell concessions there, and I loved “Skyfall,” “The Watch” and “The Hobbit.”

9 — How close were you to the tornado that hit Wadena back in 2010?
It hit right across the street from my house. I took pictures of it through my front window. It took a couple shingles of our house, but didn’t affect us too much.