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 America. They play at the Cadet Ice Arena in El Paso County, Colorado, north of Colorado Springs.[2]
| Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
 | |
| University | United States Air Force Academy |
| Conference | AHA |
| First season | 1968–69 |
| Head coach | Frank Serratore 28th season, 456–436–99 (.510) |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Cadet Ice Arena USAF Academy, Colorado |
| Colors | Blue 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
editIndependent
editAir 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
editIn 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 men's side of CHA (which had added a women's division in 2002) was in trouble. The Falcons left the CHA and were accepted into the Atlantic Hockey Association, rejoining Army in the same conference.
Atlantic Hockey Association
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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]
Atlantic Hockey America
editAfter the 2023–24 season, the Atlantic Hockey Association merged with CHA, which had become a women-only league after the 2009–10 season. The two conferences had shared a commissioner and office staff since 2010. The new league was unveiled on April 30, 2024 as Atlantic Hockey America, maintaining the Association's AHA initialism. All members of both predecessor leagues were brought into the new conference.[5]
Season-by-season results
editAll-time coaching records
editAs of the end of the 2023–24 season
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–Present | Frank Serratore | 27 | 456–436–99 | .510 |
| 1985–1997 | Chuck Delich | 12 | 154–197–19 | .442 |
| 1974–1985 | John Matchefts | 11 | 154–150–6 | .506 |
| 1968–1974 | Vic Heyliger | 6 | 85–77–3 | .524 |
| Totals | 4 coaches | 55 seasons | 849–860–127 | .497 |
Awards and honors
editU.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
editThe following individuals have been inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.[7]
- Vic Heyliger (1974)
- John Matchefts (1991)
NCAA
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All-Americans
editAHCA Second Team All-Americans
- Eric Ehn (2007)
- Jacques Lamoureux (2009)
- Tim Kirby (2012)
Individual awards
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All-Conference teams
edit- 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
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Regular Season Goaltending Award
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Individual Sportsmanship Award
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All-Conference teams
editFirst 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
- 2023–24: Will Gavin, F
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
- 2023–24: Chris Hedden, F
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
- 2023–24: Luke Rowe, 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
editCareer Scoring leaders
editGP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes
| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Delich | 1973–1977 | 109 | 156 | 123 | 279 | 151 |
| Bob Sajevic | 1976–1980 | 113 | 107 | 121 | 228 | 54 |
| Dave Skalko | 1969–1973 | 118 | 75 | 144 | 219 | 208 |
| Bob Ross | 1968–1972 | 106 | 105 | 92 | 197 | 41 |
| Gary Batinich | 1974–1978 | 104 | 82 | 114 | 196 | 107 |
| Tom Richards | 1978–1982 | 118 | 78 | 90 | 168 | 54 |
| Mike Smellie | 1976–1980 | 103 | 77 | 89 | 166 | 56 |
| Frank Daldine | 1983–1986 | 109 | 79 | 77 | 156 | 75 |
| Dave Bunker | 1970–1974 | 109 | 82 | 70 | 152 | 118 |
| Robin Robideaux | 1975–1979 | 108 | 68 | 84 | 152 | 200 |
Career Goaltending Leaders
editGP = 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 Starrett | 2015–17 | 70 | 3918 | 128 | 9 | .924 | 1.96 |
| Andrew Volkening | 2006–10 | 127 | 7370 | 269 | 15 | .915 | 2.19 |
| Stephen Caple | 2009–12 | 36 | 1792 | 66 | 2 | .908 | 2.21 |
| Jason Torf | 2010–14 | 115 | 6561 | 269 | 10 | .915 | 2.46 |
| Chris Truehl | 2013–15 | 50 | 2745 | 124 | 3 | .900 | 2.71 |
Statistics current through the start of the 2017-18 season.
Current roster
editAs of August 13, 2024.[9]
| No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Guy Blessing | Senior | G | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2001-05-08 | Chandler, Arizona | Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) | — |
| 2 | 
|
Beau Janzig | Freshman | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 201 lb (91 kg) | 2003-11-17 | Hermantown, Minnesota | Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) | — |
| 3 |
|
Beau Janzig | Freshman | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2003-11-12 | Grand Rapids, Minnesota | Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) | — |
| 4 | 
|
Will Jones | Freshman | D | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2004-03-09 | Brentwood, Tennessee | Powell River Kings (BCHL) | — |
| 6 | 
|
Anthony Yu | Freshman | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2004-07-10 | Baldwin Park, California | Powell River Kings (BCHL) | — |
| 7 |
|
Jake Peterson | Freshman | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2003-10-02 | Rosemount, Minnesota | Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) | — |
| 8 | 
|
Ethan Ulrick | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2003-04-25 | Lakewood, Illinois | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) | — |
| 9 | 
|
Lucas Coon | Senior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2001-11-24 | Steamboat Springs, Colorado | Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) | — |
| 10 |
|
Austin Schwartz | Senior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2001-06-18 | Parker, Colorado | Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) | — |
| 11 |
|
Sam Jacobs | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2003-04-25 | Plymouth, Minnesota | Wisconsin Windigo (NAHL) | — |
| 12 |
|
James Callahan | Sophomore | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2002-12-18 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) | — |
| 13 | 
|
Mason McCormick | Junior | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2001-05-25 | Verona, Wisconsin | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) | — |
| 14 | 
|
Will Dawson | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | 2003-10-03 | Traverse City, Michigan | Minot Minotauros (NAHL) | — |
| 15 |
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Owen Dubois | Sophomore | F | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 2002-07-06 | Madison, Wisconsin | Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) | — |
| 16 | 
|
Cooper Boulanger | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2003-07-08 | Barre, Vermont | Oklahoma Warriors (NAHL) | — |
| 17 | 
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Michael Kadlecik | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2004-04-14 | Lansing, New York | Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) | — |
| 18 |
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Holt Oliphant | Junior | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2001-05-17 | Northbrook, Illinois | Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) | — |
| 19 |
|
Nick Remissong | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2002-05-19 | Lake Forest, Illinois | Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) | — |
| 20 | 
|
Nolan Cunningham | Sophomore | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2001-12-17 | Helena, Montana | Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) | — |
| 21 | 
|
Liam Hansson | Junior | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2001-12-16 | Ramsey, New Jersey | Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) | — |
| 22 |
|
Chris Hedden | Junior | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2002-09-20 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Omaha Lancers (USHL) | — |
| 23 |
|
Nick Sajevic | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2003-01-15 | Shoreview, Minnesota | Janesville Jets (NAHL) | — |
| 24 |
|
Joseph Cesario | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2003-03-17 | Westminster, Colorado | Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) | — |
| 26 |
|
Clayton Cosentino | Senior | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 198 lb (90 kg) | 2000-06-18 | San Carlos, California | Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) | — |
| 27 | 
|
Samuel Stitz | Freshman | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 2003-06-18 | Perry Hall, Maryland | Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) | — |
| 28 |
|
Mitchell Digby | Senior | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2000-06-26 | Ottawa Lake, Michigan | Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) | — |
| 29 |
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Jasper Lester | Senior | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2000-07-31 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) | — |
| 30 |
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Dominik Wasik | Sophomore | G | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2002-07-02 | Superior, Wisconsin | Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) | — |
| 35 |
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Carter Clafton | Sophomore | G | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2002-03-13 | Grand Rapids, Minnesota | Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL) | — |
| 37 |
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Toby Hopp | Freshman | G | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2004-06-27 | Maple Grove, Minnesota | Northeast Generals (NAHL) | — |
| 44 | 
|
Will Staring | Sophomore | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2003-02-28 | Springfield, Virginia | Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) | — |
| 64 | 
|
Brendan Gibbons | Sophomore | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2002-06-15 | South Kingstown, Rhode Island | Maine Nordiques (NAHL) | — |
| 82 |
|
Andrew DeCarlo | Senior | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2000-07-23 | Huntington Beach, California | Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) | — |
Falcons in the NHL
editGoalie 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
edit- ^ "Air Force Athletics Style Sheet" (PDF). March 12, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
- ^ "Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
- ^ "What I Believe – Monday Edition". USCHO.com. 2017-03-13. Archived from the original on 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
- ^ "Minnesota Duluth earns second straight Frozen Four berth with victory over Air Force". USCHO.com. 2018-03-24. Retrieved 2018-08-20.
- ^ "Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America Join to Form Atlantic Hockey America" (Press release). Atlantic Hockey America. April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Air Force Hockey 2018-19 Record Book" (PDF). Air Force Falcons. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
- ^ "The Record Book" (PDF). University of Michigan. September 22, 2009. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
- ^ "Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey 2017-2018 Record Book" (PDF). Air Force Falcons. 2018-08-17.
- ^ "2024-25 Men's Ice Hockey Roster". Air Force Falcons. Retrieved August 13, 2024.