Not surprisingly most college hockey players make their biggest leaps in production from their freshmen to their sophomore seasons. That especially is true at service academies like Air Force, where new players also have to adjust to a rigorous academic climate and military commitments.

Part of the optimism around this season’s Falcons team is based on the fact they return all of their scoring from last season, and their rising sophomores contributed a big portion of that. Five of their top 12 scorers from a season ago were freshmen, so it stands to reason each player within that group could take major steps in their game this season.

“It’s uncommon in college hockey for freshmen to have the kind of impact our guys did,” said Will Gavin, who led the Falcons with 29 points and 16 goals last season.

Here is a look at a few players I believe are primed for breakout campaigns.

Center Clayton Cosentino

He played in every situation and centered the second line last season, amassing 24 points (fourth on the team), and 17 assists (second only to defenseman Brandon Koch’s 22). His point total was second in Atlantic Hockey among freshmen, and he was named to the AHA all-rookie team. He really found his stride during the second half of the season. He was one of just six plus players on the team, rarely took penalties and was solid on the face-off dot. In other words, he displayed a well-rounded game while anchoring a line with Gavin and Parker Brown (19 points).

He could be a much bigger factor this season, something which ought to give opponents pause.

“Seeing his transformation over the summer until now has been mind-blowing,” Gavin said. “He’s come so far. I’m excited to see what’s in store for him this year.”

Assistant captain Blake Bride echoed those sentiments.

“Obviously Clay had a good year last year, but he does so much off the ice it really helps him develop his game, which has been eye-opening,” the senior said.

Center Andrew DeCarlo

DeCarlo’s stick handling and elusiveness are eye catching, and he spent all season centering the top line between Willie Reim (25 points, 11 goals) and Nate Horn (22 points, 11 goals). Like Cosentino, DeCarlo (who had 15 points) played better and better down the stretch. He was a power-play fixture and solid on face-offs.

Bride also is bullish on the young center’s prospects for 2022-23.

“I think DeCarlo could have a big season,” Bride said. “He’s a very skilled player, and he’s getting more comfortable after Year 1. He’ll understand his game more, which will open things up for him.”

Defenseman Mitchell Digby

Like Cosentino, Digby made the AHA All-Rookie Team. His 18 points were the most of any freshman defenseman in the league. After spending a good portion of the season playing in the third pair and on the power play, he ascended to the second pair with Sam Brennan late in the season.

As has been the case with many of his peers, a full offseason on Air Force’s strength and conditioning program has made an impact.

“A lot of our D are just bigger now. Digby’s playing bigger, which is exciting to see,” Reim said. “He’s a shorter guy (5-foot-11), now he’s starting to play bigger than he looks.”

Forward Lucas Coon

The winger got lost in the shuffle a bit last season because he mainly played on the third line. However, he also played on the second power play unit and killed penalties at times. At one point, coach Frank Serratore told me all that was keeping him from having more than his 10 points was opportunity. Coon could play the exact same role this season and be more productive.

“If I were to pick a guy, and there’s been quite a few guys who look good, I’d say Lucas Coon has been, to me, one of the guys who it’s pretty obvious has put in the work,” senior defenseman Andrew Kruse said. “He looks stronger, faster, more confident. He’s one of our more skilled players, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he put up some big number this year.”

A goaltender

Sophomore Guy Blessing got the start in Saturday’s exhibition against Colorado College, and freshman Aaron Randazzo played a bit in the third period. They appear to be the leaders in the clubhouse to replace graduated Alex Schilling. However, the Falcons also have senior Austin Park, who played well in his 11 relief appearances and junior Maiszon Balboa. Blessing won his two starts when Schilling was in Covid protocol last season, and he is the presumptive front-runner.

To hear Reim say it, there are no bad options for the Falcons from this deep group.

“One of the best parts is our goalies,” the co-captain said. “Guy Blessing and Austin Park, Maiszon Balboa, you could tell they’ve all made huge strides. As a forward that’s really exciting. It kind of sucks because it’s hard to score in practice. But we know that no matter who’s in net we have someone we can fall back on. We can take the risks when we’re playing. It’s been really exciting to see their progress.”

MORE PREVIEWS: Air Force’s roster by the numbers

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