Air Force likes to have defensemen who can also be offensemen, and junior Matt Koch is a good example of that.

Koch has been among the team’s scoring leaders all season after putting up 18 points (five goals) in 2016-17. His offensive flair is nothing new – he was the North American Hockey League Defenseman of the Year in 2014-15 after a 51-point campaign.

The good-natured Koch took time recently to fire away some one-timers after some sweet feeds from The Flight Path.

Did you have any family in the military?

Way back, yeah.

What was the draw of attending a service academy?

For me it was more about the hockey and the school. (It was) getting a full ride and getting an education. … I just accepted that (the military) would be part of it.

Do you remember what your first piece of gear was?

Probably a stick. I think I had a mini plastic golf club that I used as a stick.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Don’t take anything for granted. Just live every day like it’s your last.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I like a couple of over-easy eggs and a couple of pieces of toast and some oatmeal.

Do you have a favorite road trip in the conference or out of the conference?

I guess last year when we went to New York City for New Year’s Eve and then beat Sacred Heart was probably my favorite road trip.

Is there a comedian on the team?

Probably Brady Tomlak. He’s a pretty funny dude. He keeps it light.

Are you particular about any of your gear?

Yeah, I’m OCD about a lot of my stuff. I always go right to left for the most part, except for elbow pads, I go left to right. I do a lot of different things, a lot of rituals.

So basically everyone better stay away from your locker.

Well, I don’t mind if you touch my stuff. I’m not like Bill (Christopoulos), where if you touch his pads he’s going to kill you. I just like to do certain things in a certain order.

Did you have a favorite player growing up?

Probably (the Ottawa Senators’) Erik Karlsson, a really skilled defenseman.

What is your major?

Operations research, analytics, statistics. I think sports statistics would be awesome (to go into) some day.

If coach Serratore was a superhero, which one would he be?

Batman maybe?

What are you most thankful for?

I’m most thankful to be where I’m at. My family put me in a really good spot. I’m thankful for the coaches and the players especially, getting to come (to the rink) and hang out with them every day. It’s awesome.

Copyright First Line Editorial 2017

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