There’s nothing wrong with being defensive – defensively responsible that is. In fact, it’s encouraged at Cadet Arena. That’s the topic we tackle in part 6 of the Flight Path’s exclusive Falcons player survey, which returns for a second year.

A total of 18 of the 28 players on the roster, or 64 percent, responded to the 2018-19 season survey. The survey includes 25 questions, broken down into various categories. Players were given multiple choices and promised anonymity for their answers. Questions pertaining to skaters only had skaters listed, same for goalie-related questions.

I hope you enjoy this fun exercise that picks the Falcons’ brains to help shed light on which teammates they view as the strongest in various categories.

MORE SURVEY QUESTIONS

Part 1 (Questions 1-4) deals with skating

Part 2 (Questions 5-7) deals with strength and toughness

Part 3 (Questions 8-10) reveals the shooting stars

Part 4 (Questions 11-14) tracks the good hands Falcons

Part 5 (Questions 15-17) focuses on the eyes

Part 7 (Questions 23-25) hard work and leadership

Question 18: Which Falcons player is the best at forcing turnovers?

• Kyle Haak, Matt Koch – 3 votes (17 percent)
• Jake Levin, Matt Serratore, Joe Tyran – 2 votes
• Evan Feno, Shawn Knowlton, Alex Mehnert, Zack Mirageas, Matt Pulver, Trevor Stone – 1 vote

Analysis: To the surprise of no one who follows the team, there are lots of contributors to the takeaway category.

Question 19: Who is the Falcons’ best defensive forward?

• Brady Tomlak – 5 votes (28 percent)
• Kyle Haak – 4 votes (22 percent)
• Evan Feno – 3 votes
• Matt Serratore, Joe Tyran – 2 votes
• Erich Jaeger, Pierce Pluemer – 1 vote

Analysis: This is an underrated part of Tomlak’s game. The junior also is an excellent passer and a face-off beast. To have more than two lines worth of forwards considered strong defensively no doubt is a plus.

Question 20: Who is the Falcons’ best defensive defenseman?

• Jake Levin – 7 votes (39 percent)
• Zack Mirageas – 4 votes (22 percent)
• Dan Bailey, Matt Koch – 3 votes
• Alex Mehnert – 1 vote

Analysis: Two sophomores and the two upperclassmen lead the way in this category. Levin has grown tremendously in this area, and he brings excellent size and skill to the position. He and Mirageas are relentless.

Question 21: Who is the Falcons’ most positionally sound skater?

• Kyle Haak – 6 votes (33 percent)
• Matt Koch, Matt Serratore – 3 votes
• Evan Feno – 2 votes
• Dan Bailey, Kieran Durgan, Evan Giesler, Walker Sommer – 1 vote

Analysis: Not surprisingly all six senior skaters make this list. Another appearance by Serratore, who has appeared all over this survey, underscores how much he’s missed while he recovers from injury. This category plays into why Durgan already has six goals – the freshman knows where to go.

Question 22: Who is the Falcons’ most positionally sound goaltender?

• Billy Christopoulos – 18 votes (100 percent)

Analysis: What more needs to be said about the senior?

NEXT: Hard work, resiliency and leadership

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