Air Force’s roster no longer is on thin ice.
Time and again in recent years the Falcons have had to not only play freshmen, but play them in key roles. Last season, three of the top four centers were freshmen. At times, two or three newcomers were in at defense. A run of injuries could be – and sometimes were – borderline devastating.
Not any more.
Now the question becomes: where will the newcomers fit?
Goaltenders
Who’s new: Aaron Randazzo
What he brings: For one, he’s been a starter in the United States Hockey League, including 43 games with Green Bay last season. He’s also experienced – having played four seasons of junior, including three in the USHL.
Who he has to replace: There is one position with a question mark at Air Force, and this is it. Alex Schilling was the undisputed starter the past three seasons, and he’s graduated. But it’s not as if the cupboard is bare. Three goalies – senior Austin Park, junior Maiszon Balboa and sophomore Guy Blessing return, and Blessing started games when Schilling was in Covid protocol and did not look out of place.
Defensemen
Who’s new: Chris Heddon and Brett Oberle
What they bring: A lot of junior experience. Both played three seasons. Neither is taller than 6 feet however. Heddon once had 29 points in 51 games in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and was part of a league championship team in 2021. He put up 23 points in 25 USHL games last season. … Oberle hasn’t scored quite as much but he has been consistent in his production (16-14-20 points). He also was an assistant captain this past season for Wenatchee (British Columbia Hockey League).
Who they have to replace: The Falcons’ top eight defensemen return, and four of them (Brandon Koch, Sam Brennan, Mitchell Digby and Luke Rowe scored 16 or more points) so this will be a really tough group to crack. That’s good news for the Falcons, because the first year on base usually features a steep adjustment period.
Forwards
Who’s new: Liam Hansson, Holt Oliphant and Mason McCormick
What they bring: A bit of everything. Oliphant brings goal scoring (18 in 55 games for Johnston/NAHL) and leadership (he was a captain). McCormick clearly has determination as he played for five USHL and NAHL teams in four seasons and produced when given a chance. He’s also 6-3. And Hansson, who holds dual U.S.-Swedish citizenship, played three seasons of junior hockey in Sweden, the NAHL and the BCHL, and he was productive in each setting.
Who they have to replace: No one. The Falcons have all 14 of their forwards back, including senior Ty Pochipinski, who is returning from season-ending surgery. So many underclassmen have had to play up front the past few years that the Falcons only have four seniors in the entire 17-man group. As with the defense, the new forwards should have plenty of time to develop. If they take someone’s job, the Falcons will be the better for it.
The group holds promise but it might take a while for us to see it on the ice because this won’t be an easy lineup to get into.
©First Line Editorial 2022
