Forward Matt Serratore has emerged as a skilled jack of all trades during his second season with Air Force. Despite missing eight games due to concussions, Serratore still managed 18 points in 28 games while playing in every situation. He took some sweet feeds from the Flight Path this week and hammered them!
I like to start by asking about the most important meal of the day. What is the breakfast of champions?
At Mitchell Hall it’s probably a little cereal, some eggs, and I always have a banana every morning and a little yogurt. That’s how I start my day.
When you were growing up, did you have a favorite hockey memory?
It was probably going to the state tournament in Minnesota at Pee Wees and Bantams. We were a team that hadn’t had a lot of success for a long time, and my group had a lot of success and was able to go to the state tournament. Hanging out with your best buddies growing up was an awesome experience.
Who have been the biggest influences on your hockey career?
It was definitely my dad (Tom, Bemidji State’s coach) and just being able to be around his team a lot. Their guys always treated me really well even when I was young, little annoying kid. I got to learn what it was all about to play hockey at this level at a young age and being around some great guys and great players. He was always there to give me advice. If I ever had any questions he was always really helpful.
Was there any kind of tug of war between him and Frank (Matt’s uncle) for your services?
My dad and I never talked about me playing there. It wasn’t really an option for both of us. I think it would have been different playing in my hometown for my dad rather than playing for Frank here. It was never really an issue.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the two teams could meet in the NCAA Tournament. Let’s play “What if”. What if we had a Serratore vs. Serratore matchup? What happens then?
Something tells me it could be pretty intense on the benches. That would be a wild experience. I don’t even know what I’d think about that. I guess I’d have to approach it like any other game, but it definitely be an interesting dynamic. I’m not sure what colors my mom and sisters would be wearing in the stands that’s for sure.
I bet there would be some loud volume on the benches.
Oh, I’m sure there’d be a lot of yelling. Pretty heated atmosphere, pretty entertaining for the spectators.
Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
I really enjoyed watching Zach Parise. I liked how tenacious he was, how hard he worked and how much energy he played with. I always try to model my game after him.
What is your favorite part about playoff time?
I think it’s the excitement of it. It’s do or die. The tension in the room is pretty cool to be a part of. The ups and downs. Ultimately winning is one of the best feelings in the world. I think it’s the ride you go through with your teammates, and just how the fun the games are the reason you play.
Are you particular about any of your hockey gear?
Yes, super particular. I don’t like people touching my sticks before the game. I don’t like anyone touching my equipment if I can help it. I always put my gear on a certain way in a certain order.
Is there a team comedian?
Evan Giesler is a pretty funny guy. He can do any impression you can think of, and he’s a pretty good singer as well. He’s got a future as an animated character I’d say.
