They won’t say it specifically, but Air Force’s players have their sights set on further playoff success.
That would mean a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. To do that, the Falcons most likely will need to win the Atlantic Hockey tournament, something they gave themselves a chance to do last season.
Picked ninth in the AHA preseason coaches’ poll last season, the Falcons clinched a first-round playoff bye on the final night of the regular season, then swept Army West Point in a quarterfinal series and defeated RIT in a semifinal before AIC routed them in the championship game.
“That AIC game is not something we remember too much, but it’s always in the back of our mind,” senior defenseman Brandon Koch said. “We have a big step ahead of us. It’s nice being picked third by the coaches. Last year, ninth to second. We could be third to ninth this year. We’ve got a lot of work to do. Nothing is going to be given to us because we have more confidence, but we know what we’re capable of.”
What will it take for the Falcons, who return their entire roster except for graduated goaltender Alex Schilling, to reach the NCAA Tournament? Here are three keys:
First, the Falcons must have a better start to the season
The past three seasons pretty much tell the tale of what the Falcons need to do first and foremost: avoid the type of start that has them playing catchup all season.
- 2019-20: 0-7 (finished 12-18-6)
- 2020-21: 0-10-2 (finished 3-10-1)
- 2021-22: 5-9-1 (finished 16-17-3)
The good news is the Falcons have played their best down the stretch of recent seasons. The bad news is they’ve had to.
“We have to find our game earlier,” co-captain Willie Reim said. “That was our big issue. Obviously we’ve had young teams and we’ve had to teach a lot of the underclassmen what Air Force hockey really is. Our incoming freshmen are learning that, but we won’t rely on them as heavily as we’ve had to the past few years.
“All of our returners already know what Air Force hockey is. … It’s known for the end of the year play, but hopefully we can start that before playoff time.”
Possessing a roster that has good-sized senior and junior classes has made a noticeable difference, senior defenseman Andrew Kruse noted.
“From the start practice has been higher tempo,” he said. “Guys know what the speed should be because we’ve gone through it a few times as a group. Last year, we made it to the championship so we have a better idea of what you have to put in to get there.”
Second, Air Force will need to generate more offense
Last season, the Falcons generated 2.8 goals per game. That was in the lower middle of the Division I pack, but traditionally, 3 has been their magic number. When Air Force hits that, it’s a good bet they’ll pick up points.
Fortunately, the scoring is picking up. In the shortened 2020-21 season, the average was 2.5. The year before it was just 2.3.
And there is a strong prospect for improvement because of the experience and skill levels on the roster. The Falcons had 10 players with 15 points or more, led by Will Gavin’s 29 and 16 goals.
And the offense came from all over the lineup. The top line accounted for 62 points. The second line had 72. And the top four defensemen added 78 points. So who do opponents focus on?
“Everyone needs to take a step so we can become great collectively,” coach Frank Serratore said. “We’re older, deeper, stronger, more experienced. We have to bring heart, determination and desire.
“This is a proud group. They want it. We are optimistic, and physically we’re stronger. Will we have more wins? We’ll find out.”
Third, the Falcons have to settle on a goalie
The leader in the clubhouse is sophomore Guy Blessing, who won two starts in place of Schilling last season. Blessing also got the start in Saturday’s exhibition against Colorado College, but he was pulled in the third period.
Freshman Aaron Randazzo got the first call off the bench. Senior Austin Park, who made 11 relief appearances last season and posted the best numbers of any goalie on the roster (2.23 goals-against average and .912 save percentage), and junior Maiszon Balboa also are on hand.
“(Blessing) fights for every save, for every puck,” assistant captain Luke Robinson said. “He never gives up on it. He’s made some unbelievable saves in practice this year, where guys have made great moves on him, deception, going backdoor, and he sticks his stick out and makes highlight reel saves.
“He got after it in the gym and got stronger. … If he’s in net, we have a lot of confidence in him.”
If Blessing seizes and keeps the net, it will be a testament to his battle level, which Serratore said is absolutely essential for whoever guards the cage.
“Who’s the gamer?” the coach said. “Who’s going to win games for us? Some are gamers and some are not.”
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