Carter Ekberg has been tasked with a heavier workload for Air Force’s hockey team this season, and the sophomore has responded.
The defenseman already has more points in 21 games than he did during the 27 he played as a freshman, and he’s playing more important minutes, including on special teams.
As it turns out, he’s also quite the host, as he discusses with AFAFlightPath.com in our latest installment of One-timers.
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I understand your family hosted the entire team for a Thanksgiving meal at your house. How did that come about?
I’d seen the schedule early on in the summer. I saw we were going to be in Pittsburgh (where Ekberg grew up) for about a week because we played in Niagara the week after (playing at Robert Morris). It as an
Carter Ekberg
opportunity that maybe we would have a few days. I talked to Frank early on and offered early on because we usually don’t get to do a Thanksgiving meal together. We could do a meal at my house because I live about 20 minutes from Robert Morris. He said, “Yeah, let’s do it.” We decided on the Sunday after the Robert Morris game, kind of an off day for everyone.
It turned out great. About half the people went over early in the day and watched some football. Later in the day the rest of the team showed up. Guys had homework and stuff like that. My parents catered a lot of the meal. My mom made some of it, but we needed a lot of food. It turned out great. My parents did a terrific job. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chance of us being in Pittsburgh that extra day again is unlikely.
Pittsburgh is a booming market for youth hockey. Who were some of your big influences growing up playing hockey there?
The Penguins have been huge for me. In 2005, when I was 8, the Penguins drafted (Sidney) Crosby, and (Evgeni) Malkin came on the scene that year. The Penguins were really bad before that. For them to have those two superstars come in, they turned the team around. In two years they turned the team around. My dad used to take me to games all the time. I grew up playing with Mario Lemieux’s son off and on, so having him around the rink brought a different aspect to it. The growth of hockey in Pittsburgh has been massive. That’s been cool to see.
What have been your favorite parts about being at the Academy so far?
Hockey’s been the best part of my day most days. I love coming to the rink. Having a tight group of friends is great. You basically get a set of friends when you arrive, which is a nice thing about hockey. We’re all best friends on the team. … I like school a lot. I’m getting into more of the classes in my major in my sophomore year. That’s been much more enjoyable.
Besides the Thanksgiving extravaganza, have you had some other favorite trips?
Going to Army last season was an awesome experience. Just playing there. Those games have an extra element with how into it the crowd was. … The Notre Dame trip to start this (season) was unbelievable. Playing on national TV and a sold-out crowd. Then we had that extra day in the middle and got to go to the football game. We get treated so well on the road.
Are you particular about any of your gear?
I’m pretty particular about my skates. I re-tie them a lot. If they feel loose I’ll tighten them. If I have an edge I don’t like I’ll ask Rob (Rush) to switch out my blade. … I have a certain way I get dressed. It’s not like I think about it any more. I just do it. Everything on the left side first. But there’s nothing too major.
What is the breakfast of champions?
Last year I ate a lot of hard boiled eggs because the scrambled eggs weren’t the best. But I got sort sick of that every day. This year, I’ve been having granola in the morning, usually with some sort of yogurt. I always have to drink a lot of water. I’m not a big coffee guy in the morning. If I can pick something that’s not my typical breakfast, I like pancakes or a nice omelet.
Can you tell us if there are any comedians on the team?
I think everyone would say the same thing. Brady Tomlak is our comedian on the team. He keeps everyone loose. He’s pretty much the most outgoing guy on our team. He’ll talk to anybody, and he always keeps it light. Jake Levin is the same way. He’s not quite as consistent as Brady, but he’s always there with the comedic effect.
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