This sequel has been a hit for Air Force hockey.

After immediately displaying his offensive prowess during his first two seasons at the Academy, junior defenseman Brandon Koch has continued to develop into an every-situation player for the Falcons.

Koch’s offensive instincts have led to him finishing second in points on the team in each of his first two seasons. And he’s been very durable, playing every game but one to this point.

Of course the original was pretty good, too.

Brandon’s older brother Matt played four seasons at Air Force and was a co-captain as a senior in 2018-19, a season he capped by being selected one of Atlantic Hockey’s student-athletes of the year (with teammate Matt Serratore). Like Brandon, Matt Koch was strong offensively (66 points) and developed into an every-situation, every-night defenseman (131 games).

Brandon has earned conference academic honors in his first two seasons. And like Matt, he is highly engaging to speak with. Brandon graciously took time this week to answer a variety of questions from The Flight Path in the return of our One-timers feature.

After what could best be described as a challenging 2020-21 season, what has been the most positive change from last year to this year?

Just knowing what our schedule is on a week-to-week basis. Freshman year we knew (the week of) every road trip we were leaving Wednesday after school. Every home week we’d have Monday practice with Tuesday off to get caught up with all our school work. Friday and Saturday we’d have games. The best thing was having that set schedule.

Your older brother Matt played at the Academy (from 2015-19). How much of a role did he play in your becoming interested in playing for the Falcons?

He obviously did play a role. He was pretty good about staying out of the way. If I had questions about aspects of the Academy or life afterward, he was there to give me the straight-up answer. There was no beating around the bush. At the end of the day it was my decision. A small percentage of hockey players in the world make it into the professional ranks. A big thing for me was going somewhere that had a great education, which is obviously the case here, graduating debt free and also having a job coming out of this place.

Many players have told me over the years that it can be a real grind to balance everything at the Academy. Is there one part of Academy life you really enjoy?

I really enjoy coming down the rink and seeing the guys every day. I know that’s a cliche answer, but when you’re grinding the books from 7 until noon, and then again after practice until lights out, it’s really the only thing some days. It’s great to see everyone’s smiling faces and going to compete with each other.

What was your summer assignment? What military career are you pointing toward?

This summer we had to have our typical leadership credits. I was in charge of about 15 rising sophomores through their Air Personal Leadership Training, which is formerly the ESAP program. I did that for three weeks. My second three weeks I did an internship with Amazon where I was able to take a large amount of their data from one of their side sectors and analyze it, and give them some information on how they can make that part of their business run better. My last three weeks I spent a lot of time golfing, as most of us do.

Is there a guy on the team who is the team comedian?

Nate Horn has a dry sense of humor. For a while we didn’t really understand if he was joking around or if he was being completely serious. By now most of know that he’s usually trying to pull our leg. And then also Bennett Norlin has some pretty good one liners that make everyone laugh.

Halloween is coming up, so I wondered if you have a favorite costume?

I do not. I’ve never been a big Halloween fan. I had the typical dress up as a hockey player thing when I was a kid. In middle school, with my initials being B.K. my mom put together a costume where I looked like the Burger King from BK. I was that one year, and it was pretty funny.

Any chance of that being reprised?

I think it’s still in my closet but I don’t think it fits.

Do you have a favorite Halloween candy?

I’m a big Kit Kat guy. That’s the one I can eat without stopping. Usually I can only have a few candy bars before tapping out when it comes to chocolate.

The Flight Path strongly believes breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so we have to ask what is the breakfast of champions?

Well, there’s not much breakfast of champions around here. Usually I find some Mini Wheats and yogurt and eggs.

Who were your favorite hockey players growing up?

As a kid I was pulled toward Zdeno Chara because of how big he was, how hard he could shoot the puck. Being from the State of Hockey, when Marian Gaborik was on the Wild, he was a treat to watch. Now with Kirill (Kaprizov) being on the Wild it’s bringing back those days. He has such high-end talent.

Do you like music at all?

I’m strictly country. A lot of people don’t enjoy listening to that before a hockey game so I don’t hear it much at the rink.

Has a team D.J. emerged?

Usually it’s Luke Rowe, or Will Gavin will be on it from time to time.

When you have time to relax what do you enjoy doing?

Norlin, (Alex) Schilling and I try to go golfing. Then just being able to watch college football or NFL, or watching the NHL at night. Just relaxing and watching some sports.

Do you have a favorite trip so far during your college career?

Michigan State was a blast. Having a big group of fans, even if they’re cheering against you or chirping you from the fifth row, it’s still entertaining. It brings a smile to my face. Within conference, the team with a big student section is RIT, so I’m really looking forward to going back there this year.

Do you have any tips for younger hockey players?

It’s pretty simple: just stick with it. I was never really recruiting much as a kid. I saw a lot of people get those opportunities. Just sticking with it, the ones who don’t always get those opportunities when they’re younger often see the payoff in the sport and later in life. So just stick with it. Making sure you’re grinding the weight room and making the most of every opportunity.

We’d like to thank Brandon for his time and wish him all the best this season and beyond!

©First Line Editorial 2021