Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey

The Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents the United States Air Force Academy. The Falcons are a member of Atlantic Hockey. They play at the Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[2]

Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey
Current season
Air Force Falcons athletic logo
UniversityUnited States Air Force Academy
ConferenceAHA
First season1968–69
Head coachFrank Serratore
27th season, 438–417–98 (.511)
ArenaCadet Ice Arena
Capacity: 2,470
Surface: 200' x 85'
LocationColorado Springs, Colorado
ColorsBlue and silver[1]
   
NCAA Tournament appearances
2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018
Conference Tournament championships
2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018
Conference regular season championships
2008–09, 2011–12
Current uniform

History

Independent

Air Force Academy's Ice hockey program began as a club team in 1966, led by former Michigan head coach and six-time national champion Vic Heyliger. The program grew swiftly and posted a winning record by its third season. In their fourth season, the team posted an impressive 25-6 mark and had the nation's leading scorer on the roster, Dave Skalko. When Heyliger retired in 1974, turning the team over to John Matchefts, the success continued with two more 20+ win seasons in three years. By the time the 1980 rolled around, however, the team's on-ice results began to flag and after a pair of disappointing, single-digit-win seasons Matchefts pushed his team to a .500-record before turning control over to the program's all-time leading scorer. Chuck Delich led the program for the 12 seasons, posting moderate results for most of his tenure, but as the 20th century drew to a close, the Falcons' days as a plucky Independent were numbered.

CHA

In 1997, former Denver head coach Frank Serratore was hired to replace Delich and recorded two 15-win seasons before everything changed for the Falcons. In 1999, Air Force became a founding member of the CHA, joining with the other service academy Army and five other newly-minted Division I teams. Despite the other programs having little history of success, Air Force was unable to make much headway in the conference, with the best finish being 4th out of 7 teams in their inaugural year. Army left the conference after only one year, leaving the conference with only six programs, and the Falcons found themselves as one of the worst. Air Force finished in 5th- or 6th-place for four consecutive seasons and threw in a pair of 4th-place marks for good measure. Despite their regular season woes, the Falcons did achieve some success in the CHA tournament, reaching the semifinals three times despite being an underdog. By 2006, however, it became apparent that the CHA was in trouble. The Falcons left the CHA and were accepted into Atlantic Hockey, rejoining Army in the same conference.

Atlantic Hockey
The Falcons bench celebrates a goal during a game in 2018

The change seemed to suit the Falcons, who posted their first winning season in 7 years. In the conference tournament, Air Force defeated Holy Cross 3-0 before stunning #1 seeded Sacred Heart 5-4 in overtime. In the championship match, the Falcons took on Army and routed the Black Knights 6-1 to win the program's first conference championship and receive their first bid into the NCAA tournament. Though they lost to Minnesota in the opening round, the success would continue for the next two years with two additional Atlantic Hockey tournament titles and culminated with a 28-win season in 2009 where they won their first regular season conference title and NCAA tournament game. After a middling season in 2010, the Falcons posted back-to-back conference championships but failed to escape the first round in either season. Air Force spent the mid-teens rebuilding their program, and it came to a head in 2017 with their sixth Atlantic Hockey crown. The Falcons played so well over the course of the season that there was some talk of them making the NCAA tournament even if they were to lose the Atlantic Hockey championship (an exceedingly rare occurrence for Atlantic Hockey Teams).[3] Their second quarterfinal appearance was followed by another in 2018, where they were outplayed by eventual champion Minnesota–Duluth until the final period.[4]

Season-by-season results
Main article: List of Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey seasons

All-time coaching records

As of the end of the 2022–23 season

Tenure Coach Years Record Pct.
1997–PresentFrank Serratore26438–417–98.511
1985–1997Chuck Delich12154–197–19.442
1974–1985John Matchefts11154–150–6.506
1968–1974Vic Heyliger685–77–3.524
Totals 4 coaches 55 seasons 831–841–126 .497

[5]

Awards and honors

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

The following individuals have been inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.[6]

NCAA

All-Americans

AHCA Second Team All-Americans


Individual awards

All-Conference teams

First Team All-CHA

  • Marc Kielkucki (2001)
  • Brian Gornick (2001)
  • Derek Olson (2002)

Second Team All-CHA

  • Brian Gornick (2000)
  • Andy Berg (2001, 2003)
  • Brian Gineo (2005)
  • Michael Mayra (2006)
  • Eric Ehn (2006)

All-CHA Rookie Team

  • Andy Berg (2000)
  • Joe Locallo (2001)
  • Zach Sikich (2002)
  • Matt Charbonneau (2005)
  • Eric Ehn (2005)
  • Michael Mayra (2006)


Individual awards

All-Conference teams

First Team All-Atlantic Hockey

  • 2006–07: Eric Ehn, F
  • 2008–09: Andrew Volkening, G; Greg Flynn, D; Jacques Lamoureux, F
  • 2009–10: Tim Kirby, D; Jacques Lamoureux, F
  • 2010–11: Scott Mathis, F
  • 2011–12: Tim Kirby, D; Scott Mathis, F; Kyle De Laurell, F
  • 2012–13: Adam McKenzie, D; Kyle De Laurell, F
  • 2015–16: Shane Starrett, G
  • 2016–17: Phil Boje, D
  • 2018–19: Billy Christopoulos, G

Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey

  • 2006–07: Andrew Ramsey, F
  • 2007–08: Greg Flynn, D
  • 2009–10: Andrew Volkening, G
  • 2010–11: Jacques Lamoureux, F
  • 2011–12: John Kruse, F
  • 2013–14: Adam McKenzie, D; Cole Gunner, F
  • 2014–15: Cole Gunner, F
  • 2015–16: Johnny Hrabovsky, D
  • 2016–17: Jordan Himley, F
  • 2022–23: Luke Rowe, D

Third Team All-Atlantic Hockey

  • 2007–08: Eric Ehn, F
  • 2010–11: Tim Kirby, D
  • 2016–17: Shane Starrett, G
  • 2019–20: Brandon Koch, D
  • 2021–22: Brandon Koch, D

All-Atlantic Hockey Rookie Team

  • 2008–09: Scott Mathis, D
  • 2010–11: Jason Torf, G; Adam McKenzie, D
  • 2013–14: Chris Truehl, G
  • 2015–16: Shane Starrett, G; Matt Serratore, F
  • 2019–20: Brandon Koch, D
  • 2021–22: Mitchell Digby, D; Clayton Cosentino, F
  • 2022–23: Chris Hedden, D

Statistical Leaders

[7]

Career Scoring leaders

GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Player Years GP G A Pts PIM
Chuck Delich1973–1977109156123279151
Bob Sajevic1976–198011310712122854
Dave Skalko1969–197311875144219208
Bob Ross1968–19721061059219741
Gary Batinich1974–197810482114196107
Tom Richards1978–1982118789016854
Mike Smellie1976–1980103778916656
Frank Daldine1983–1986109797715675
Dave Bunker1970–19741098270152118
Robin Robideaux1975–19791086884152200

Career Goaltending Leaders

GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Minimum 35 games

Player Years GP Min GA SO SV% GAA
Shane Starrett2015–177039181289.9241.96
Andrew Volkening2006–10127737026915.9152.19
Stephen Caple2009–12361792662.9082.21
Jason Torf2010–14115656126910.9152.46
Chris Truehl2013–155027451243.9002.71

Statistics current through the start of the 2017-18 season.

Current roster

As of August 12, 2022.[8]

No. S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
1 Arizona Guy Blessing Sophomore G 6' 3" (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2001-05-08 Chandler, Arizona Lone Star (NAHL) —
2 Minnesota Andrew Kruse Senior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1998-12-06 Delano, Minnesota Minnesota Magicians (NAHL) —
4 New Jersey Luke Rowe (C) Junior D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 206 lb (93 kg) 1998-08-08 Succasunna, New Jersey Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) —
6 Michigan Chris Hedden Freshman D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2002-09-20 Kalamazoo, Michigan Omaha (USHL) —
7 California Brian Adams Junior F 5' 8" (1.73 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1999-12-07 San Ramon, California Wenatchee (BCHL) —
8 Colorado Blake Bride (A) Senior F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1998-04-22 Broomfield, Colorado Sioux Falls (USHL) —
9 Colorado Lucas Coon Sophomore F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2001-11-24 Steamboat Springs, Colorado Odessa (NAHL) —
10 Colorado Austin Schwartz Sophomore F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2001-06-18 Parker, Colorado Bismarck (NAHL) —
13 Wisconsin Mason McCormick Freshman F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2001-05-25 Verona, Wisconsin Waterloo (USHL) —
14 Colorado Jacob Marti Junior F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-06-10 Highlands Ranch, Colorado Bismarck (NAHL) —
15 Minnesota Bennett Norlin Senior F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-10-26 Farmington, Minnesota West Kelowna (BCHL) —
16 Michigan Sam Brennan Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2000-01-16 Brighton, Michigan Lone Star (NAHL) —
17 South Carolina Parker Brown Junior D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 155 lb (70 kg) 1999-09-08 Hanahan, South Carolina Fairbanks (NAHL) —
18 Illinois Holt Oliphant Freshman F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2001-05-17 Northbrook, Illinois Johnstown (NAHL) —
20 Minnesota Brandon Koch Senior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-01-18 Hastings, Minnesota Wenatchee (BCHL) —
21 New Jersey Liam Hansson Freshman D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2001-12-16 Ramsey, New Jersey Cranbrook (BCHL) —
22 California Drake Usher Sophomore D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2000-04-29 Upland, California Wichita Falls (NAHL) —
23 Minnesota Willie Reim (A) Senior F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1999-01-11 North Oaks, Minnesota West Kelowna (BCHL) —
24 Minnesota Nate Horn Junior F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 160 lb (73 kg) 1999-03-02 Elk River, Minnesota Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) —
25 Virginia Jason Kleinhans Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2000-10-04 Herndon, Virginia Danbury (NAHL) —
26 California Clayton Cosentino Sophomore F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2000-06-18 San Carlos, California Aberdeen (NAHL) —
27 Tennessee Luke Robinson Junior D 6' 3" (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 2000-02-16 Nashville, Tennessee Dubuque (USHL) —
28 Michigan Mitchell Digby Sophomore D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-06-26 Ottawa Lake, Michigan Lone Star (NAHL) —
29 Colorado Jasper Lester Sophomore D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2000-07-31 Colorado Springs, Colorado Fairbanks (NAHL) —
30 Minnesota Aaron Randazzo Freshman G 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2001-05-31 Alexandria, Minnesota Green Bay (NAHL) —
37 Connecticut Will Gavin Junior F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-10-21 Durham, Connecticut Northern (NCDC) —
41 Colorado Austin Park Senior G 5' 11" (1.8 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-06-05 Highlands Ranch, Colorado Wenatchee (BCHL) —
47 Minnesota Dalton Weigel Senior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1999-12-30 Bloomington, Minnesota Aberdeen (NAHL) —
51 Colorado Maiszon Balboa Junior G 6' 2" (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-04-18 Colorado Springs, Colorado Shreveport (NAHL) —
55 Minnesota Brett Oberle Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2001-09-27 Woodbury, Minnesota Wenatchee (BCHL) —
64 Colorado Ty Pochipinski Senior F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-06-05 Colorado Springs, Colorado Penticton (BCHL) —
82 California Andrew DeCarlo Sophomore F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-07-23 Huntington Beach, California Lone Star (NAHL) —

Falcons in the NHL

Goalie Shane Starrett signed an Entry Level Contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL on April 10, 2017. He is currently the only Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey player to be in the NHL or respected affiliates.

References
  1. "Air Force Athletics Style Sheet" (PDF). March 12, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  2. "Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  3. "What I Believe – Monday Edition". USCHO.com. 2017-03-13. Archived from the original on 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
  4. "Minnesota Duluth earns second straight Frozen Four berth with victory over Air Force". USCHO.com. 2018-03-24. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
  5. "Air Force Hockey 2018-19 Record Book" (PDF). Air Force Falcons. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  6. "The Record Book" (PDF). University of Michigan. September 22, 2009. p. 20. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  7. "Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey 2017-2018 Record Book" (PDF). Air Force Falcons. 2018-08-17.
  8. "2021–22 Ice Hockey Roster". U.S. Air Force Academy Athletics. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
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